Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a traction related form of alopecia. Trichotillomania is the name given to the habitual and compulsive plucking of hair from the scalp and/or other hair-bearing areas of the body. Long-term trichotillomania can result in permanent irreversible damage. It remains unknown whether trichotillomania should be classified as a habit or as obsessive-compulsive behavior. In its mildest form, trichotillomania is a habitual plucking of hair while a person reads or watches television. In its more severe forms, trichotillomania has a ritualistic pattern and the hair-plucking may be conducted in front of a mirror. The person with trichotillomania often has guilt feelings about his or her "odd" behavior and will attempt to conceal it. Hair loss due to trichotillomania is typically patchy, as compulsive hair pullers tend to concentrate the pulling in selected areas. Hair loss in this case cannot be treated effectively until the psychological or emotional reasons for trichotillomania have been addressed effectively.