Problem of trichotillomania

Most of the time, the hair is associated with the concept of vanity and beauty. And if you’re one of those unfortunately afflicted with the hair-pulling disorder known as trichotillomania, the disease can be an ultimate emotional torture.

Being affected with this mental ailment provides you with the temptation to yank out your own hair.

This usually results to patches of bald spots on your scalp, and other hairy parts of your body. Other people may view your problem as a compulsion; however this is more of like a disorder which prevents you from controlling your impulses.

This problem may cause you to exhibit the following symptoms:

some areas of your scalp and body have bald patches
your eyebrows or eyelashes are unnaturally thin
you play, eat or chew on the hairs that you have pulled out
you rub the hair strands, that you have pulled out, across your face or lips
Usually, when an individual has trichotillomania, he yanks hair out from his scalp.

However, there are also some patients who pull from their arms, legs, and other hairy body parts. This may be done with just the use of the hands, while there are also some individuals who utilize tools; like tweezers or brushes.

The specific cause why a person develops this uncontrollable urge is yet to be discovered. The following are some of the reasons that researchers are looking into:

Genes –there have been reports that researchers have found a specific gene that mutates, giving way to the disorder. However, this theory does not exist within all of the cases.

Neurochemical problems – some researches suggest the natural chemicals of the brain may cause this ailment.

Less than 1% out of every 3.4% of human population is affected with this mental disorder. Typically, it sets during the early stages of childhood or during adolescence. When it affects older people, it usually develops during the early stages of adulthood. There are certain factors which may heighten the possibility of developing this mental problem:

Hair features – color, shape, texture
Negative moods – frustration, anxiety, fatigue or loneliness
Positive reinforcement – the act of pulling the hair provides a satisfying feeling
Habituations – pulling hairs has become a habit when doing something else
Negative reinforcement – hair pulling is a form of distraction from unpleasant thoughts

When you repeatedly pull on your hair, this will lead to a complication. Hair fall will become permanent since the hair follicles have been damaged. A lot of people with this ailment go through a lot. They may feel shame, depressed, and embarrassed.

Hence, treatment is greatly needed.

Treating your hair pulling disorder may require psychotherapy and medications. You may be prescribed with anti-depressants, along with behavioral therapy. Natural cure can also be of great help. You can opt to engage in crafts to keep your busy. Tie your hair in ponytail, or cut it short. You can also ask your family to make you aware of your actions.