Patient Education

Heart Health Library

Our Health Library does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their heart health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a mental health condition in which a person feels a strong urge to pull out their own hair. Usually, hair is pulled from the head, eyelashes, and eyebrows.

The exact cause is not known. Contributing factors may include stressful events or a chemical imbalance in the brain similar to that seen in people who have obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Symptoms may include:

Patches of baldness.
Broken pieces of hair.
Sparse eyebrows or eyelashes.
Denial of a hair-pulling problem and attempts to conceal the problem.

Treatment usually involves medicine and psychotherapy.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.