Symptoms and treatment of trichotillomania: How to detect it?

Compulsive and frequent hair pulling can be a sign of suffering from a disorder known as trichotillomania. Know them symptoms and treatment of trichotillomania It is essential to put a solution before the damage to the hair becomes irreversible.

Here we tell you everything you need to know about trichotillomania: causes, symptoms and possible treatments.

What is trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania is understood as the act of manipulating the hair by compulsively twisting and even pulling it out. This behavior can also occur on other hairy parts of the body such as the eyebrows or even the eyelashes.

Trichotillomania tends to have a greater impact on women who tend to develop this disorder in their childhood or youth. It is still not determined what are the causes that favor the development of this impulsive behavior.

What are the symptoms of trichotillomania?

As we mentioned before, knowing the symptoms and treatment of trichotillomania is key to knowing how to detect it and, in such a case, being able to put a solution to it. The most obvious symptom is a person's need to constantly manipulate their hair by roughly pulling it, twisting it, and pulling it out.

Consequently, a person with trichotillomania may develop some of these symptoms.

Lack of density in the hair

It is the most visible symptom. Pulling out our hair because of this disorder has a direct impact on the density of the hair. Thus, one can see a uneven hair distribution.

If this behavior occurs for a long period of time, hairless areas may appear on the head in the form of patches.

deny his behavior

It has been observed that those people who suffer from trichotillomania tend to deny that they pull out their hair, or that they handle it roughly causing damage. Also, after doing experience a sense of relief. 

Low self-esteem and episodes of anxiety

The lack of self-esteem causes episodes of anxiety and depression in people with trichotillomania. It is a disorder with a strong psychological impact, so it is important to know the symptoms and treatment of trichotillomania not only to avoid hair damage, but also to take care of mental health.

Treatment of trichotillomania

If you recognize any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is essential to go to an expert doctor who can treat each case individually.

Mainly the treatment of trichotillomania is based on behavioral therapy with which to learn to face situations of stress or anxiety in a different way than pulling out your hair. This technique, if the doctor considers it so, can be combined with taking antidepressants.

Does hair pulled out due to trichotillomania grow back?

One of the issues that can cause the most concern about this disorder is whether the hair that has been plucked out grows back. The development of a alopecia Due to trichotillomania, it is a real risk that can lead to baldness in those areas that are most affected. But what are the chances of it?

The truth is that if this aggressive manipulation of the hair persists for a long period of time, the Hair follicles They can be seriously damaged. This translates to plucked hair stops growing causing premature baldness, and this is indicated by our doctors. Therefore, if we want to take care of our hair in these cases, it is necessary to take care of our mind first. Going to an expert in this area will be essential to end trichotillomania.