Hair Pulling Disorder (Trichotillomania) What it is and its Symptoms
Trichotillomania involves the behavior of forcibly pulling or plucking body hair, such as hair, eyelashes, or eyebrows. It is stated that this behavior occurs to manage the individual's mood, meaning that it is seen as an emotional disturbance. This condition is considered a specific psychological disorder and can typically emerge during childhood or adolescence, while it can also continue into adulthood.
Symptoms of Trichotillomania
The symptoms of trichotillomania may vary depending on the individual's condition. Generally, the following symptoms are frequently observed:
- Desire to pull or pluck hair: The urge to pull hair increases when the person feels stressed or anxious.
- Visible bald spots in pulled or plucked hair: With the pulling of hair, baldness (alopecia) can be observed on the head or other body areas.
- Intensified thoughts: The person struggles to resist thoughts related to the desire to pull hair.
- Superficial wounds or skin irritation: Wounds can form on the skin as a result of the hair-pulling process.
- Loss of self-esteem and social withdrawal: The individual may feel bad about themselves for pulling their hair and may want to withdraw from social settings.
Emotional and Psychological Dynamics
Trichotillomania is usually associated with anxiety, stress, or mood disorders that a person feels. Studies show that individuals may use the behavior of pulling hair as a coping mechanism to deal with this situation. For example, many people engage in the act of pulling their hair to cope with stressful situations. Additionally, individuals may experience a brief feeling of relief during this act. However, this situation can become harmful and destructive for the individual in the long term.
Causes of Trichotillomania
Although the exact causes of trichotillomania have not yet been fully understood, research has indicated that the following factors may play a role:
- Genetic Factors: Individuals with a family history are at a higher risk of developing trichotillomania.
- Psychological Factors: Emotional disorders, anxiety, and stress can play a role in the development of trichotillomania.
- Environmental Factors: The environment in which the individual lives, stressful events, or traumas can also be effective in the development of the disorder.
Treatment Methods
Treatment for trichotillomania varies according to the individual's needs. The following approaches may be used during the treatment process:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy is an approach aimed at restructuring the individual's thoughts and behaviors. The individual can identify the thoughts and situations that trigger the urge to pull hair and find ways to cope with them.
- Medication Treatment: In some cases, medications such as antidepressants or anxiolytics may be recommended for individuals. However, it should be noted that medication treatment alone is not sufficient and should be supported by therapy.
- Support Groups: Support groups established for individuals experiencing trichotillomania can provide emotional support and facilitate the sharing of experiences.
In conclusion, psychological disorders like trichotillomania can negatively affect an individual's quality of life. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the symptoms and seek professional help. Various treatment methods aimed at understanding the individual's condition can help them break free from this cycle.
