The primary trichotillomania symptom is recurrent pulling of enough hair to cause significant hair loss. Many times, this hair loss results in balding of the area being pulled. Areas of pulling include the head, eyebrows, eyelashes, pubic or underarm hair.

People suffering from trichotillomania symptoms may attempt to hide or cover bald areas by using hairstyles, scarves or clothing, or makeup. Trichotillomania symptoms of some individuals also may include playing with their hair, chewing on their hair, or digesting hair (trichophagia). They also may pull hair from other people, pets or sweaters. These individuals will commonly deny pulling or chewing, even if observed doing so.

Trichotillomania is characterized by a sense of increased tension immediately before pulling or when trying to resist pulling. Stress may fuel pulling, however, it may occur during times of relaxation such as watching television, reading, driving a car, talking on the phone or lying in bed. Another trichotillomania symptom for some individuals is a sense of pleasure, gratification or relief when pulling occurs.

The persistence of trichotillomania symptoms can vary considerably as well as the intensity. For some individuals the urge to pull hair can be so strong it makes thinking of anything else nearly impossible.

A trichotillomania symptom individuals most commonly share is feeling shame, so depression is a common co-existing factor. If you or someone you know may require treatment for trichotillomania, contact Rogers Memorial Hospital at 1-800-767-4411 for an initial needs assessment. To learn more about trichotillomania, please visit our trichotillomania page.

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