Trichotillomania Trichotillomania is the act of pulling one’s own hair out. This condition is an anxiety disorder and is generally treated as such. A person that has this condition will have a strong urge to pull hair out. This most often involves pulling hair from their scalp, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Some people wonder, is it painful? Yes, it is; however, the anxiety-driven urge outweighs the physical pain. Impulse Control Most patients with this condition have already been diagnosed with anxiety. Just as a drug user cannot control the impulse to buy drugs, a person with this condition cannot control the impulsive urge to pull hair from their body. The sufferers come in all shapes and sizes, and there is no economic class that is immune. Many of those affected can attempt to hide their condition by wearing wigs and false eyelashes. It is embarrassing for the patients, many have made themselves almost bald, and may be forced to explain why to family members and close friends. Some sufferers say they wear a wig and eyelashes and proceed with life as normal as possible. One patient said she attended a party and received numerous compliments on how beautiful her hair (wig) was, no one even suspected. She made numerous trips to the restroom during the party, to remove the wig and pull more hair out. Without being able to do that she admitted she would have a full meltdown and have to leave the party. Just as a drug addict might sneak to a restroom stall, or a food addict might sit alone in their car and eat, someone with this condition will also look for a private area so they can be alone and pluck hair. Related: How to Manage the Mess between Notes Treatment This condition is not extremely common, and not understood by everyone. Patients should attempt to search out a therapist that understands the condition. A complete understanding is essential in helping the patient learn other coping mechanisms. Treatment most often involves prescribed medications to help with anxiety. The therapy portion of the treatment is aimed toward impulse control. There are many diversions people can use to learn a new habit, and that is what needs to take place in these cases. It takes the human brain 21 days to develop a new habit, and after those 21 days, the new habit will start to become second nature. Most patients are encouraged to do a hobby that involves heavy use of their hands. Knitting,
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