TLDR Trichotillomania, a disorder where people compulsively pull out their own hair, often starts around age 12, is more common in adult females, and can be treated with behavior therapy and medication.
The 2003 review on Trichotillomania, a disorder where individuals compulsively pull out their own hair, found that it often starts in young children and adolescents, with an average onset age of 12 years, but can also begin in adults and the elderly. The exact incidence and prevalence were unclear. In a study of 59 preadolescent children visiting a dermatologist for alopecia, 10% were diagnosed with trichotillomania, and it was found to be more common in adult females. The cause of trichotillomania was unknown, with theories ranging from it being a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder to a manifestation of mild frustrations. It is characterized by irregular, nonscarring, focal patches of alopecia, most common on the scalp. Treatment varied with age, with behavioral therapy recommended for older children and a combination of pharmacotherapy and behavioral therapy for adolescents and adults.
52 citations,
October 1997 in “American Journal of Psychiatry” Trichotillomania is a complex condition involving compulsive hair pulling that causes distress and hair loss.
180 citations,
November 1991 in “American Journal of Psychiatry” Fluoxetine was not effective in treating hair-pulling disorder in the short term.
417 citations,
March 1991 in “American Journal of Psychiatry” Most adult chronic hair pullers are women who started in their early teens, often have other mental health issues, and may pull hair due to underlying psychiatric conditions.
30 citations,
August 1983 in “Pediatric Clinics of North America” Most hair loss in children is caused by a few common conditions, and it's important to diagnose these properly and support the child's mental health.
January 2017 in “International journal of science and research” Trichotillomania is a chronic hair-pulling disorder, more common in females, treated with therapy and sometimes medication.
28 citations,
January 2015 in “Skin appendage disorders” Children with trichotillomania often pull hair from their scalp, and parents may not notice; stress can trigger it, and asking detailed questions helps in diagnosis and treatment.
January 2016 in “Springer eBooks” The conclusion is that using the 5W1H method can improve diagnosis and management of childhood hair-pulling disorder.
22 citations,
May 2011 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” Recognizing and managing skin-related psychiatric disorders in children is crucial for effective treatment.
41 citations,
March 1992 in “Archives of Dermatology” The review suggests that understanding and treating the psychological aspect of skin disorders is important and calls for more collaboration in this field.
