What is trichotillomania?

1 Answer
Andy Y.
May 25, 2017

Hair pulling disorder

Explanation:

Tichotillomania is hair loss from repeated urges to pull or twist the hair until it breaks off. Patients are unable to stop this behavior, even as their hair becomes thinner.

Symptoms
Besides repeated hair pulling, other symptoms may include

  • Feeling tense before pulling hair or when trying to resist the urge to pull hair
  • Feeling relieved, satisfied, or pleased after acting on the impulse to pull hair
  • Distress or problems in work

Causes
The exact cause of trichotillomania isn't known. It may be related to abnormalities in brain pathways that link areas involved in emotional regulation, movement, habit formation, and impulse control.

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