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Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania. Julie Hiles Period 2. What is Trichotillomania?. Its an irresistible urge to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows or other parts of your body. General Information.

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Trichotillomania

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  1. Trichotillomania Julie Hiles Period 2

  2. What is Trichotillomania? • Its an irresistible urge to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows or other parts of your body.

  3. General Information • Hair pulling from the scalp often leaves patchy bald spots, which people with trichotillomania may go to great lengths to hide. • The urge to pull hair can be overwhelming and can often cause distress.

  4. Causes for Trichotillomania • The cause of trichotillomania is unclear but like many disorders it could be a result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. • Abnormalities in the natural brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine may also play a role.

  5. Risk Factors • Family History • Age • Sex • Negative Emotions • Positive Reinforcement • Other Disorders

  6. Family History • Susceptibility to trichotillomania may be inherited through genes.

  7. Age • Trichotillomania usually develops in adolescence • Usually between the ages of 11-13 • Often a lifelong problem • Children younger than age 5 are also prone for hair pulling but most often it goes away on its own.

  8. Sex • More women than men are treated for this disorder • It may be because more women then men are willing to seek medical advice • In early childhood, boys and girls seem to be equally affected

  9. Negative Emotions • For many people trichotillomania is a way to deal with negative or uncomfortable emotions. • These include: • Stress • Anxiety • Tension • Loneliness • Fatigue • Frustration

  10. Positive Reinforcement • People with Trichotillomania find that pulling out their hair feels satisfying and gives them a feeling of relief • As a result they continue to pull out their hair.

  11. Other Disorders • People who have trichotillomania may also have other disorders • Including depression, anxiety , obsessive –compulsive disorder or eating disorder • Nail biting and Skin picking have also been associated with this disorder

  12. Complications • The person may have Emotional Distress. The person feels shame, embarrassment and low self-esteem. • The person could then have Social Problems. The person may wear wigs or style hair to cover up bald spots. Also the person may wear false eyelashes.

  13. More Complications • The person will have skin damage from constantly pulling out the hair. You could get infections and small cuts on the scalp. • The person may also get hairballs from eating the hair. Which could lead to greater problems later in life.

  14. Tests and Diagnosis • A doctor will preform a through evaluation to determine if you have trichotillomania. • He will examine your hair loss and have you fill out a questionnaire. • He may even do a biopsy • In order to be diagnosed with trichotillomania you have to meet certain criteria.

  15. Trichotillomania Diagnosis Criteria • Repeatedly pulling out hair, resulting in hair loss • An increase in tension before or when you resist to pull out the hair • Feeling of relief after you pull out the hair • Hair pulling causes you distress

  16. Treatments • Psychotherapy may be used. Its suppose to reverse your habits. It helps you recognize what your doing and how to change it. Example: Clenching your fists when you feel the urge to pull your hair. • Medications may also be used.

  17. Citations • http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/trichotillomania/DS00895

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