Hello Tamika I understand your concern about trichotillomania, especially if it seems to run in families. Trichotillomania is indeed recognized as a mental health condition characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one’s hair, which can lead to noticeable hair loss and distress.
While it can be associated with anxiety or stress, it is classified as a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Diagnosis typically involves a mental health professional assessing the behavior, its impact on daily life, and any underlying issues.
If you or someone you know is struggling with this condition, it’s important to consult a mental health professional who can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend treatment options, such as therapy or support groups.
Thank you
Hello sir Yes the condition is completely treatable.it is associated with eyelid pulling along with ocd. Treatment options include Behavioral adjustment therapy Antipsychotic medication Sertraline Please share the result with psychiatrist for better clarity Regards
Trichotillomania is indeed a diagnosable condition and is recognized as a mental health disorder. It’s classified under “Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders” in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Trichotillomania involves recurrent, irresistible urges to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows, or other areas of the body, despite trying to stop. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, especially if they’re impacting your daily life, it’s important to seek evaluation from a healthcare professional. Management involves a combination of therapy, medications, and sometimes lifestyle modifications. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly a form called habit reversal training, is effective for many individuals with this condition. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other psychiatric medications might be prescribed, depending on the severity and specific needs. Addressing underlying anxiety or co-occurring disorders is also crucial as they can exacerbate trichotillomania. It’s a good idea to monitor potential triggers or patterns associated with the hair-pulling urges. Creating a distraction or finding an alternative activity when the urge arises can be helpful. Although research on hereditary aspects is ongoing, there is evidence that genetics can play a role, so it’s worth discussing any family history with your physician. Coordination with a mental health specialist familiar with dermatological compulsion disorders would be beneficial.
Hello Tamika, thank you for sharing your concern. For a proper diagnosis of this condition, the patient needs proper evaluation. The evaluation will be done by talking to the patient, by doing a mental assessment. Kindly visit a certified Psychiatrist or a Family Physician for the same.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Medicine
Trichotillomania is already a formally recognized diagnosis (classified as a body-focused repetitive behavior and obsessive-compulsive–related disorder), and while heredity can increase vulnerability, it is understood as a neurobehavioral condition linked to stress, anxiety, and impulse control, not just a “nervous habit.” Eyelid hair pulling is a known but particularly distressing presentation, and diagnosis is made clinically based on history, behavior patterns, and exclusion of dermatologic or neurologic causes. A psychiatrist (for diagnosis and medication), clinical psychologist (for habit-reversal therapy/CBT), and dermatologist (to assess eyelid and lash damage) consultation is strongly recommended for comprehensive management.
