What is Trichotillomania
In summary, this page
- Outlines the support available from Trichotillomania Support and its continued belief that pull freedom is possible for almost everyone.
- Discusses DSM-V description of Trichotillomania and highlights issues about it which could be resolved in the next manual.
help and information about hairpulling
This article explains the criteria for diagnosis and discusses its disadvantages. Firstly, why you can trust us to help people anyone affected by hair pulling or other obsessive conditions (BFRBs). Finally, you will find a brief video explaining the condition.
Pull free IS possible and we are committed to helping to bring out this potential for people with trichotillomania. To achieve this, we aim to create awareness, continue valuable research, and in addition support and enable individuals.
This Trichotillomania causes article can set your mind at rest if you feel guilty because it is no-one’s fault.
international classification
The American Psychiatric Association’s DSM 5 Manual describes Trichotillomania as a mental health disorder characterized by hair pulling. Pronounced Trik-Oh-Tiller-Mania, it is sometimes called an Impulse Control Disorder or OCD. However there is controversy over whether or not to class it as a Body Focused Repetitive Behavior. As a result it is sometimes grouped with skin picking (dermatillomania), beard hair pulling, biting lips, cheeks and fingers, and nail biting.
Problems with international classification
Most commonly, people pull hair from their eyelashes, eyebrows and/or the scalp, and they can also pull from the pubic region, pets and other people. These conditions are secretive in nature and often attempts will be made to hide signs of hair loss. It can be hard to comprehend what trichotillomania is because it sometimes leads to social withdrawal.
Peer-reviewed 23 October 2022, review due 23 October 2023