Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a compulsive disorder where individuals repeatedly pull out their own hair, often from the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes, leading to noticeable hair loss.
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a compulsive disorder where individuals repeatedly pull out their own hair, often from the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes, leading to noticeable hair loss. This behavior is not merely a habit—it is driven by tension, urges, or anxiety that is temporarily relieved by pulling. Many people with trichotillomania feel shame or embarrassment, going to great lengths to hide bald patches with scarves, makeup, or hairstyles. The disorder often begins in childhood or adolescence and can persist into adulthood if untreated.
What constitutes Trichotillomania?
Recurrent hair pulling resulting in hair loss, repeated attempts to stop, and significant distress or impairment in functioning.
Symptoms and warning signs
- Noticeable hair loss or uneven patches
- Frequent hair pulling during stress or boredom
- Rituals involving examining, playing with, or eating pulled hair
- Attempts to conceal hair loss with accessories or makeup
- Feelings of shame, guilt, or secrecy
Causes and risk factors
- Genetic predisposition
- Abnormalities in brain reward circuits
- Anxiety, stress, or boredom as triggers
- Co-occurrence with OCD or depression
Treatment approaches
- Habit Reversal Training (HRT): teaching patients to replace pulling with alternative behaviors
- CBT: addressing emotional triggers
- Medication: SSRIs or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in some cases
- Support groups: reducing isolation and shame
Why Act Center for Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia?
Our experienced Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder) specialists in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia offer effective treatment to help patients reduce hair-pulling urges and manage anxiety triggers.
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