Anxiety Disorders Center:  Trichotillomania

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Trichotillomania is an impulse control disorder characterized by repeatedly pulling out one's hair, resulting in visible alopecia (hair loss).  The most frequent site of hair pulling is the scalp, although many people pull hair from their eyebrows, eyelashes, or body.  Some people experience total hair loss as a result of trichotillomania, whereas others (with less severe hair pulling) have bald patches that can be disguised by combing the hair a certain way or using makeup.

Sometimes, individuals with trichotillomania will bite, eat, or otherwise play with the hair after it is pulled.  In severe cases, ingesting hair can result in masses called trichobezoars that become lodged in the gastrointestinal system and can cause serious illness.

Click here to review or purchase Dr. Tolin's book Treating Trichotillomania: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Hairpulling and Related Problems  

Do you have Trichotillomania?	Print this questionnaire
Do you repeatedly pull out your hair?	YES	NO
Has hair pulling resulted in noticeable hair loss?	YES	NO
Do you feel an increasing sense of tension immediately before pulling out the hair or when attempting to resist pulling?	YES	NO
Do you fee pleasure, gratification, or relief when pulling out the hair?	YES	NO
Does hair pulling (or hair loss) cause you to feel very distressed or upset?	YES	NO
Does hair pulling (or hair loss) impair your social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning?	YES	NO

You might have Trichotillomania if all of the following are true:

• You answered YES to items 1, 2, 3, and 4
• You answered YES to at least one of items 5 and 6

Note: This questionnaire is for informational purposes only and is not intended to function as a psychological or psychiatric assessment.  Diagnosis of psychiatric disorders requires a careful evaluation by a trained professional. Click here to learn how to get help for this condition at the Anxiety Disorders Center.

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