Trichotillomania facts for kids

Trichotillomania (say "trick-oh-till-oh-MAY-nee-uh"), often called "trich," is a condition where a person feels a strong urge to pull out their own hair. People with trich might pull hair from their head, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other parts of their body. Sometimes, this can lead to areas on the body with little or no hair.

This condition is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM is like a big book written by experts that lists and describes all officially recognized mental health conditions. It helps doctors understand and diagnose different issues. The DSM currently places trichotillomania in the "impulse control disorder" group. This means it's seen as a problem where a person has trouble controlling an urge or impulse. However, experts sometimes discuss if it might fit better into other categories, like a habit, an addiction, a tic disorder, or even similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What is Trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania is a type of body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB). BFRBs are actions where a person repeatedly touches or grooms their body in a way that causes damage. For someone with trich, the main action is pulling out hair. This pulling can be done without thinking, like when someone is bored or stressed. It can also be done on purpose, where the person feels a strong urge and then pulls.

How it Feels to Have Trich

People with trichotillomania often describe feeling tension or an itchy feeling before they pull hair. After pulling, they might feel a sense of relief or satisfaction. However, these feelings are often followed by sadness, shame, or guilt about the hair pulling. The urge to pull can be very strong and hard to resist.

Common Places for Hair Pulling

Hair can be pulled from anywhere on the body. The most common places include:

• The scalp (hair on the head)
• Eyebrows
• Eyelashes
• Beard or mustache area
• Pubic area
• Arms or legs

Sometimes, people might pull hair from only one spot. Other times, they might pull from many different areas.

Causes of Trichotillomania

Scientists are still learning exactly why trichotillomania happens. It's likely caused by a mix of different things. It's not something a person chooses to do, and it's not their fault.

Brain Differences

Research suggests that there might be differences in the brain structure or chemistry of people with trich. These differences could affect how the brain controls impulses and habits. For example, areas of the brain involved in decision-making and habit formation might work differently.

Genetics and Family History

Trichotillomania can sometimes run in families. This means that if someone in your family has trich, you might have a slightly higher chance of developing it. This suggests that genes might play a role. However, having a family member with trich does not mean you will definitely get it.

Stress and Emotions

Stress, anxiety, boredom, and other strong emotions can often trigger hair pulling. Some people find that pulling hair helps them cope with these feelings. It can be a way to release tension or to distract themselves from uncomfortable emotions.

Other Mental Health Conditions

Trichotillomania often occurs alongside other mental health conditions. These can include:

• Anxiety disorders, like generalized anxiety or social anxiety
• Depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Other body-focused repetitive behaviors, like skin picking (excoriation disorder) or nail biting

Getting Help for Trichotillomania

If someone has trichotillomania, it's important to know that help is available. It's a real condition, and people can learn ways to manage it.

Talking to a Doctor

The first step is often to talk to a doctor or a mental health professional. They can help figure out if it's trichotillomania and suggest the best ways to get better. It's important to be honest about the hair pulling so they can give the right advice.

Types of Therapy

One of the most helpful treatments for trichotillomania is a type of therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A specific part of CBT called Habit Reversal Training (HRT) is often used.

• Habit Reversal Training (HRT): This therapy teaches people to become more aware of their hair pulling. It helps them identify when and why they pull. Then, it teaches them to replace the hair pulling with a different, harmless action. For example, if someone pulls their hair when they are watching TV, they might learn to squeeze a stress ball instead.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): This therapy helps people accept their urges without acting on them. It focuses on living a life based on their values, even when difficult feelings or urges are present.

Support from Others

Connecting with others who have trichotillomania can be very helpful. Support groups, either online or in person, allow people to share their experiences and learn from each other. Knowing that you are not alone can make a big difference. Family and friends can also offer support by being understanding and encouraging.

Living with Trichotillomania

Living with trichotillomania can be challenging, but many people learn to manage their symptoms and live full, happy lives. It's a journey, and progress might not always be a straight line.

Self-Care and Coping Strategies

Besides therapy, there are many things people can do to help themselves:

• Stress management: Finding healthy ways to deal with stress, like exercise, meditation, or hobbies, can reduce the urge to pull.
• Mindfulness: Being aware of the present moment can help people notice their urges before they act on them.
• Keeping hands busy: Using fidget toys, drawing, or knitting can keep hands occupied and prevent pulling.
• Setting up a supportive environment: Making it harder to pull hair, like wearing a hat or gloves, can sometimes help.

Importance of Patience

Overcoming trichotillomania takes time and effort. There might be good days and bad days. It's important to be patient with yourself and celebrate small successes. Relapses can happen, but they are part of the process, and it's important to keep trying and seeking help.