Trichotillomania: An Impulse Control Disorder Affects Millions of Americans
by Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center Staff
September 13, 2011
Everyone has experienced a physical illness such as a cold or flu. The symptoms are fairly predictable, a day or two of work may be missed, and in a certain amount of time, wellness returns. A psychiatric illness is altogether different. Not only does the individual have to cope with the disorder itself, but often the social consequences are equally if not more devastating.
Trichotillomania (trich) is a classic example. People who suffer with this disorder compulsively pull out their hair. No area is off limits – they may start with the scalp then move on to the eyes, armpits, pubis and legs. The intent is not to cause pain and is certainly not to gain attention. Quite the contrary, most try desperately to control or stop the behavior, without success.
Signs and symptoms include:
- Inability to resist urges to pull out one's hair
- Mounting tension before one pulls
- Gratification and relaxation when pulling
- A feeling of relief after pulling
- Noticeable hair loss
- Increased distress and/or interference with daily life
Trich is characterized as an impulse control disorder. As with other illnesses such as bulimia, it is an unhealthy method to cope with anxiety, stress or other unpleasant emotions. The cause is not yet known. Research is still in the early stages and preliminary evidence suggests it is a neuron-biological disorder that may be influenced by genetics.
Who Suffers from Trich?
Two to ten million American struggle with this disorder and it affects everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or socio-economics. The average age of onset is 11 and 80 to 90% of reported adult cases are female. Often, people with hair pulling issues also have co-occurring disorders such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety, self-injury, bipolar disorder or eating disorders.
A tremendous amount of embarrassment, shame and self-disgust accompanies the hair-pulling behavior. Those with this disorder rarely tell friends or family members of their struggles, fearing ridicule or contempt. Women, horrified by their appearance, often go to great lengths to hide the results. Hair pieces, false eyelashes and eyebrow penciling are all utilized to replace the lost hair or disguise the results of their behavior.
Help Is Available
Help is available for compulsive hair pulling. What’s more, the earlier treatment is sought, the greater the possibility that the hair will not experience permanent damage. Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center has made tremendous strides in the treatment of trich. Learn more at www.timberlineknolls.com.
