Trichotillomania ("trich") or hair-pulling is when a person repeatedly pulls out his or her hair, from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, pubic region or elsewhere. This disorder typically appears during puberty and can last throughout the rest of one's life. Like most disorders, trichotillomania can range in severity--from minimal hair loss to complete baldness. According to experts, this disorder currently affects six to nine million people in the United States.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Trichotillomania may be related, though recent evidence suggests that it may also be genetic. In fact, new research now shows that trichotillomania may also be related to Tourette's Syndrome. One thing is certain, however, trichotillomania is heavily influenced by stress and other troubling emotions, like sadness, anxiety, tension and anger.
