by Dominic D.

Created on: November 30, 2010

The definition of trichotillomania(trik-o-til-o-MAY-ne-uh) is an irresistible urge to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows, or other areas of your body.

 Pulling hair from the scalp often leaves patchy bald spots in which those affected with trichotillomania may go to great lengths to disguise. Because hair is so closely associated with beauty and vitality( look at Samson), trichotillomania- another name is hair pulling disorder- can be very emotionally painful for those who are afflicted with it.

Scientific research regarding trichotillomania has been conducted primarily in the past ten years and the actual causes are only theoretical.

 Some psychoanalytic theories suggest that the behavior is a way of dealing with unconscious conflicts, or some childhood trauma such as sexual abuse. Biological theories look for a genetic basis. An example of this would be that often, people with trichotillomamia have a first degree relative with some obsessive-compulsive disorder. Research is also being done now evaluating similarities between trichotillomania and Tourette's disorder. Behavioral theories assume that symptoms are learned, in other words, a child imitates a parent who engages in hair pulling. Sometimes, this behavior can be learned independently if it serves a purpose. For example, hair-pulling may begin as a stress response, and then develop into a habit. Some studies suggest that abnormalities in the natural brain chemicals, serotonin and dopamine, may play a role in trichotillomania. Also, mutations in a gene called SLITRK 1 have been linked to trichotillomania.

Trichotillomania is a very serious disorder and in order for it to be diagnosed properly, the following symptoms must be present:

1.noticeable hair loss(alopecia) due to recurrent hair pulling

2.tension immediately before hair pulling, or when attempting to resist hair pulling

3.reduction of tension, or feeling of gratification, immediately following hair pulling

4.significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of function

The effects of trichotillomania can be very serious, but can be treated. Studies show a low success rate with medications and traditional psychoanalysis, while behavioral therapy has reported a long term success rate of ninety percent or better.

One thing to note is that because scientific research is lacking, no specific information is available regarding prevention. 

In conclusion, we have reviewed the possible causes of trichotillomania and that it can be effectively treated. Conversely, individuals with the disorder may be too embarrassed to address their symptoms. Also, criteria about this disorder may change in the future as more testing is done.

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