Trichotillomania in Teenagers
(Hair Pulling)
Trichotillomania in teenagers is a big word for hair pulling.
Trichotillomania is a mental disorder that involves the irresistible urge to pull ones own hair out. The main area of concern is usually the head but teenagers who are afflicted by Trichotillomania can also pull from their eyebrows, eyelashes and hair that is anywhere else on the body. The onset of the disorder can start off mildly as early as 2 years old and can progressively get worse through the teenage years.
Some of the symptoms of Trichotillomania in teenagers are
- Playing with pulled out hair and rubbing it on their face and lips
- Noticeable hair loss in the affected area that looks shortened, thinned out or bald.
- Biting, chewing or eating pulled out hair
- A sense of pleasure or relief after the hair is pulled out
- An increasing sense of tension right before pulling (triggers can be before a test or traumatic event)
Most teenagers who have Trichotillomania pull in private and try to hide the disorder from others. There are two types of hair pullers. One is called focus pulling, this type of behavior is intentional and its main goal is to relieve tension or de- stress.
The second type is automatic pulling. For this type, teenagers pull their hair without even realizing they are doing it. Usually when reading a book, doing homework or watching TV.
In some cases, the same person may do both focused and automatic hair pulling depending on the mood or circumstance.
In closing, Trichotillomania is a long term chronic disorder that in many cases will never go away. To learn more, contact us today, or schedule your free hair consultation to see how our Intralock™ Process can help your hair.