Hair Pulling Disorder

Hair pulling disorder or trichotillomania (trick-o-till-o-may-nee-uh; also known as TTM or trich) is the repetitive urge to pull out hair from the body. Commonly, hair is pulled from the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes, but can also be pulled from elsewhere in the body such as the arms, legs, or pubic area. Hair pulling disorder typically begins in late childhood or early puberty. Previously, it was believed to affect more females than males, but recent research has suggested that the disorder occurs equally across sexes. Studies have shown that approximately 1-2 in 50 people will experience Hair Pulling Disorder in their lifetime.

Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5)

• Recurring hair pulling, resulting in hair loss.

• Repeated attempts to decrease or stop the behaviour.

• The hair pulling cannot be better explained by the symptoms of another mental disorder (e.g., attempts to improve a perceived defect or flaw in appearance, such as may be observed in body dysmorphic disorder).

• The hair pulling or hair loss cannot be attributed to another medical condition (e.g., a dermatological condition).

• The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.