Trichotillomania: A Psychological Cause of Hair Loss

For years, I had been pulling out my hair and playing with them. I used to do this when certain situations call for it, like when I’m bored, or while watching movies or reading. I have no exact idea of how and why it started. My reason is that it does feel good, and it seems that my day is not complete without me being able to pull a particular strand of my hair, that which has a white pigment on the tip, or that which is coarse.

That was few years ago, and it was until someone told me that pulling one’s hair compulsively is a disorder that I started wrestling with this baffling urge. I tried several ways just to stop it. I even used to tie my wrists or place them on my pockets, but without me noticing, my hands find their way back to my head.

Well, I am not alone. This disorder is so widespread that millions of people around the world are suffering from it. But, although widespread and common, constant hair pulling is not a matter to be ignored. Obviously, it is a potent cause of hair loss and it may even lead someone to get bald if not controlled. And, much to your surprise, there’s a name for that compulsive action – trichotillomania.


What is Trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania is commonly defined as a kind of baldness or hair loss caused by the constant pulling or twisting of the hair until it loses its strength and breaks off. This act is said to be compulsive and obsessive that it triggers a trichotillomaniac to pull his or her hair repetitively for the sense that it feels good, the reason that trichotillomania is known worldwide as an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Numerous researches have noted that trichotillomania does not only cover the act of pulling ones hair on the head. The truth of the matter is, it involves the act of pulling someone’s beard, eyebrows, eyelashes and even pubic hairs. This is highly common in women, but men are also affected.

Well, I have read an article telling of someone who suffers from this disorder as she constantly pulls here eyelashes until she obtained a hairless eye. According to that writer, her experience bothered her most and her parents and siblings that she was driven to consult an expert to talk about it. She managed to approach a number of trichotillomania victims and it was during that time that she realized she wasn’t alone and that trichotillomania can be cured by time, with self control.

So, if you also happen to be affected by this condition, take time to think and approach someone you know who can help you battle with this baffling disorder. But, before you seek for help, it’s better to delve much into the basics of trichotillomania. Besides, this topic is worth knowing.