What is Trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania is a DSM-IVR impulse control disorder which compels some people to pull out their hair. This can include scalp hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, body hair or any combination of those. Hair pulling can also occur during sleep; this is called Sleep-Isolated Trichotillomania.

Trichotillomania affects between 1-3% of the population and is thought to affect more women than men. Hair pulling usually starts at around age 12 years, but has been known to affect all ages. The effects of pulling can vary from un-noticeable to complete hair-loss, the disorder can also affect self-esteem and lifestyle. Some people eat part or all of the hair, stroke, count, store or fiddle with the hair after pulling.

Terminology and pronunciation ... although trichotillomania is correctly pronounced TRY-KO-TILLOMANIA, here we drop the mania and refer to it as trich (pronounced trick). We call those struggling against the disorder trichsters (pronounced tricksters) and we call the many people here who are long-term pull free, trichSTARS.

Trichotillomania is not ‘mania’ or madness, but a prevalent disorder which can be overcome. Diet is thought to affect trich. There is much support available here for those who wish to become free from hair pulling. The resources available on the share section of the site, include our CHAT facility, message boards, buddying, coaching and advice.