Also known as compulsive hair pulling, trichotillomania is an uncommon disorder in which a patient pulls out hair from different parts of their body. This disorder results from and causes anxiety, embarrassment, different physical complications, as well as social isolation, especially in the case of a teen.
ADEONA Healthcare of Rancho San Diego provides treatment for trichotillomania along with any underlying conditions which might be feeding it. Females are more prone to develop this mental disorder than males, with signs generally appearing at the age of nine. Symptoms might disappear for a period of time however they may persist throughout life. Patients, suffering from this mental disorder, tend to pull hair not only from their scalp but from their eyebrows and eyelashes too. Extreme hair pulling leads to bald patches. This creates a social problem for a teen with their peers.
Unlike other mental health disorders, like depression, trichotillomania is a disorder that affects a patient’s physical appearance. Due to loss of hair, teens are more prone to suffer from embarrassment and even discrimination by friends who do not understand the disorder. Physically, due to excessive pulling of hair, the skin around the hair roots might get damaged, leading to sores and infection. Excessive pulling also affects hair regrowth. Sometimes a patient might also suffer from trichobezoar, a condition in which a hair ball forms in the digestive tract because of eating hair.
Just like other compulsive disorders, particular causes of trichotillomania are yet unknown. Though it is presumed to be due to possible malfunctioning of the brain, more research work needs to be done to find out the real causes.
However, certain risk factors are attributed for the development of this disorder:
Compulsive disorders such as trichotillomania respond well to treatment. Trichotillomania treatment requires a caring and understanding environment along with appropriate counseling. Therapy helps in identifying the root cause of the issue and in teaching the patients tools and ways to cope and move forward in their lives.
ADEONA Healthcare of Rancho San Diego, the leading rehab center for teens aged 12-17, provides comprehensive treatment program for mental health illness, addiction, and dual diagnosis. Certified by the State of California Department of Social Services, we provide safe, structured, and holistic treatment programs for long-lasting recovery.
To learn more about how our state-of-the-art rehab center can induce recovery and healing through our evidence-based programs and compassionate care system, call our 24×7 helpline (888) 379-9360 and speak to a member from our admissions team. You may also chat online with a representative for further reference.
