20/05/2022
What is Trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania (TTM), or hair pulling disorder, is a repetitive behavior that involves an irresistible urge to repeatedly pull out one’s own hair.
It is the group of obsessive compulsive disorders and related to skin picking disorders, in which individuals pull, pick, scrape, or bite their hair, skin, or nails, resulting in damage to the body.
Trichotillomania most commonly presents in individuals between the ages of 10 and 13.
Treating trichotillomania usually depends on the severity of the condition and the medical history of the individual. Typically, trichotillomania treatments involve habit reversal training (HRT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, and the use of medications under the supervision of a certified mental health professional. Therapies that are targeted towards improving other mental health disorders often associated with trichotillomania (e.g., depression, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive disorder) can be an important part of treatment.
