Understanding Hair Loss In People With Trichotillomania

Hair loss can be a challenging topic to tackle, especially when it comes to understanding the unique challenges faced by those with trichotillomania. This mental health condition causes an irresistible urge to pull out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes or other parts of the body. The condition can have long-lasting effects, so managing it and understanding how to treat any hair loss is essential.

In this guide, we aim to shed light on the causes and effects of hair loss in people with trichotillomania and provide actionable tips for managing this condition.

What is trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania, also known as trich, is a mental health condition that causes people to have an overwhelming desire to pull out their hair. This can include hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes or other areas of the body.

The urge to pull out hair can be so strong that it may feel like a relief to do so, but it can also lead to feelings of shame and guilt. This urge can be triggered by anxiety or stress. It can also be a form of self-harm or a coping mechanism for dealing with difficult emotions.

The condition can affect people of any age or gender, but it is most commonly diagnosed in children and teenagers. It can be challenging to diagnose trichotillomania as many people with the condition feel ashamed or embarrassed and may hide their hair loss.

However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, trichotillomania can be effectively managed.

What causes trichotillomania?

We don’t know exactly what causes trich, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental and psychological factors.

• People with trichotillomania may have a family history of the condition or other mental health disorders such as OCD or anxiety.
• Stress and anxiety can also trigger the urge to pull out hair, and people with trichotillomania may use hair pulling as a coping mechanism to deal with these emotions.
• Brain chemistry may also play a role in trichotillomania — the condition has been associated with imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.

Other factors that may contribute to trichotillomania include boredom, frustration and sensory stimulation.

Trichotillomania in people with OCD or autism

While the exact relationship between these conditions is not fully understood, trichotillomania is commonly seen in people with OCD or autism.

People with OCD may be more likely to experience trichotillomania, as both conditions involve repetitive behaviours that are difficult to control. Hair pulling may be a way for people with OCD to relieve anxiety or to feel a sense of control over their environment.

Similarly, people with autism may also engage in hair pulling behaviours due to their heightened sensitivity to sensory stimulation. In seeking sensory stimulation or to relieve anxiety, hair pulling can become a repetitive and compulsive behaviour.

Trichotillomania hair loss

Trichotillomania can lead to significant hair loss in different parts of the body, including the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes.

Repeated hair pulling can cause noticeable hair loss, and in severe cases, it can lead to bald patches or complete loss in the affected area. Hair loss caused by trichotillomania can be distressing and affect your self-esteem and mental health immensely.

Hair loss caused by trichotillomania can be treated by hair restoration techniques such as hair transplant surgery or scalp micropigmentation. However, these treatments may not be suitable for everyone, so it is important to speak to an expert to determine the best course of action.

Trichotillomania hair regrowth

Hair regrowth after trichotillomania-related hair loss is possible, but the process can take time and varies from person to person.

The regrowth of hair depends on several factors, including the severity and duration of the hair pulling behaviour, your overall health and any underlying medical conditions.

Once you stop pulling your hair, new hair growth can begin. However, it may take several months or even years for the hair to regrow fully. The regrowth may be uneven, and the new hair may have a different texture or colour to the surrounding hair.

In some cases, hair regrowth may not occur naturally and additional treatments may be necessary to stimulate hair growth. These treatments may include topical or oral medications, hair restoration techniques such as hair transplant surgery, or scalp micropigmentation.

Preventing hair loss caused by trichotillomania is the best course of action. With the right treatment and self-help techniques, people with trichotillomania can learn to manage their symptoms and prevent future hair loss.

Treatments for trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a challenging condition to manage, but there are treatments available that can help those with the condition.

Here are some strategies that can help manage trichotillomania:

• Identify triggers – Identify what causes you to pull hair, such as boredom, anxiety, or stress. Once you identify these triggers, you can avoid them and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
• Mindfulness – Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can decrease the urge to pull out hair. Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment and observing your thoughts and feelings.
• Habit reversal training – A type of CBT that aims to help you recognise and replace the hair pulling habit with more positive behaviour. This therapy involves keeping a log of your hair pulling episodes and learning new behaviours to replace the habit.
• Support groups – Joining a support group of people with trichotillomania can help you feel less alone and provide a safe space to share your experiences and challenges. You can also gain valuable insights and strategies from others who have successfully managed their hair pulling habit.
• Professional treatment – If your hair-pulling habit is affecting your quality of life and you feel that you need extra support, seek help from a qualified mental health professional.

Treating trichotillomania hair loss

One treatment option for trichotillomania hair loss is hair transplant surgery, which is available at The Treatment Rooms London.

Hair transplant surgery involves taking hair from an area of the scalp where there is good hair growth, such as the back or sides of the head, and transplanting it to the areas where hair has been pulled out. This procedure can be done using different methods, including follicular unit excision (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT).

While hair transplant surgery can be an effective option for restoring hair in areas affected by trichotillomania, it is important to note that it is not a cure for the underlying condition. It is essential to address the underlying psychological and emotional factors that contribute to trichotillomania to prevent further hair pulling.

The Treatment Rooms London is committed to helping those with trichotillomania achieve healthier and happier lives.

Get in touch with The Treatment Rooms London

Trichotillomania can cause damage to your hair, but at The Treatment Rooms London, we understand the complexity of this condition and are here to help.

Our world-class hair transplants can transform your hair and target thinning, uneven growth and even total baldness.

Book a hair transplant consultation with The Treatment Rooms London and begin your hair regrowth journey today. 

Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/trichotillomania/
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326833#
• https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/trichotillomania
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trichotillomania/symptoms-causes/syc-20355188
• https://www.trichstop.com/trichotillomania-and-autism