Trichotillomania: The Compulsive Hair-Pulling Disorder
Trichotillomania
The Compulsive Hair-Pulling Disorder
Madeline Roy
Psychology 100
Charlotte Prokop
31 October 2013
Trichotillomania is the compulsive urge to pull out, and in some cases eat (Trichophagia), ones hair leading to noticeable hair loss, distress, and social or functional impairment. The term comes from the Greek words trich (hair), till (pull) and mania (madness). Francois Henry Hallopeau, a French Dermatologist, coined this term in 1889 after encountering a young male patient who tore out every hair on his body in response to an intense itch. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association classified it as an impulse control disorder; stating that it is often chronic and very difficult to treat because many individuals with Trichotillomania may not realize they are pulling their hair. Patients presenting for diagnosis may either deny the criteria for tension prior to hair pulling or gain a sense of gratification after hair is pulled; therefore, Trichotillomania is subdivided into "automatic" versus "focused" hair pulling. “Automatic” pulling meaning the patient is not aware and unable to control themselves whereas “focused” pulling means the patient is knowingly pulling and getting a sort of satisfaction from the act. Research indicates that about 1 in 50 people experience Trichotillomania in their lifetime, the typical onset being between ages 9 and 13, though it affects individuals of all ages.. When it occurs in early childhood, the condition is typically self-limiting and intervention is not required. While the most common hair pulling sites are the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes, Trichotillomania may involve any part of the body with hair. Less common locations for hair pulling include the pubic area, arms, chest, and legs; children are less likely to pull from anywhere except the head. An individual with Trichotillomania may use his or her fingernails,
The Compulsive Hair-Pulling Disorder
Madeline Roy
Psychology 100
Charlotte Prokop
31 October 2013
Trichotillomania is the compulsive urge to pull out, and in some cases eat (Trichophagia), ones hair leading to noticeable hair loss, distress, and social or functional impairment. The term comes from the Greek words trich (hair), till (pull) and mania (madness). Francois Henry Hallopeau, a French Dermatologist, coined this term in 1889 after encountering a young male patient who tore out every hair on his body in response to an intense itch. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association classified it as an impulse control disorder; stating that it is often chronic and very difficult to treat because many individuals with Trichotillomania may not realize they are pulling their hair. Patients presenting for diagnosis may either deny the criteria for tension prior to hair pulling or gain a sense of gratification after hair is pulled; therefore, Trichotillomania is subdivided into "automatic" versus "focused" hair pulling. “Automatic” pulling meaning the patient is not aware and unable to control themselves whereas “focused” pulling means the patient is knowingly pulling and getting a sort of satisfaction from the act. Research indicates that about 1 in 50 people experience Trichotillomania in their lifetime, the typical onset being between ages 9 and 13, though it affects individuals of all ages.. When it occurs in early childhood, the condition is typically self-limiting and intervention is not required. While the most common hair pulling sites are the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes, Trichotillomania may involve any part of the body with hair. Less common locations for hair pulling include the pubic area, arms, chest, and legs; children are less likely to pull from anywhere except the head. An individual with Trichotillomania may use his or her fingernails,