Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder)
Recurrent pulling out of one’s own hair, resulting in hair loss and functional impairment.
Etiology (Biopsychosocial Model)
Biological: Genetic vulnerability, sensory tension relief.
Psychological: Anxiety, perfectionism, shame.
Social: Anxiety, perfectionism, shame.
• Symptoms & Diagnosis (Mnemonic: HAIRS):
H - Hair pulling recurrent
A - Attempts to stop fail
I - Impairment in daily life
R - Rule out other medical/mental causes
S - Sites: scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, etc.
Treatment
Habit Reversal Training (HRT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
N-acetylcysteine (investigational)
Info
DSM-5-TR Code
F63.3
Prevalence
~1.7%–2.5%; more common in females.