called hair-pulling disorder
mental disorder frequent, repeated, irresistible urge to pull hair out from scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes
Symptoms
- pulling out hair; can be automatic or on-purpose
- increased sense of tension before pulling out hair or trying to resist it
- sense of pleasure or relief after pulling hair out
- hair loss that can be seen, bald spots
- ritualistic pulling out of hair; they follow the same pattern
- biting, chewing, or eat the hair
- rub the hair over their face / lips
- repeated attempts to stop or reduce, but often no success
- distress or problems at work, school, or in social life
Types of hair-pulling:
Automatic:
Focused (Deliberate):
What emotions influence
Positive Negative
Causes and Risk Factors
Family History Health condition Age Other mental health Stress Environment
Treatment
Psychotherapy Medications
Comorbidities and Co-occurences
- Depressive disorders
- Excoriation
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- OCD