Trichotillomania (TTM) is a compulsive hair-pulling disorder that causes people to pull out their hair from any area of the body. It can range from occasional light pulling to regular removal of large portions of hair. TTM is classified as an impulse control disorder and is often triggered by stress or other stimuli. Common signs include hiding bald spots with wigs or styles and pulling when hands are free during other activities. While there is no cure, treatment focuses on preventing pulling through techniques like bandages or fidget toys and avoiding confrontation about hair loss.
2. What is TTM?
• Trichotillomania is the compulsive pulling out of
one’s hair (pulling can occur anywhere on the
body)
• Severity varies: some people may pick at their
arm hair occasionally and others will tear out
large portions of their head hair regularly
• It is ALL TTM
• TTM is currently classified as an impulse control
disorder and a body-focused repetitive behavior
3. Signs
• Most pulling is done in private when reading,
watching TV, or doing another hands free
activity
• Many people are not conscious of what they
are doing until the damage has been done
• People will also go to great lengths to hide
their bald patches through wigs, hats, or
alternate hairstyles
4. Why does it happen?
• Some experts think it may be genetic, but it is
still under debate
• Pulling is neurological, a “predisposition to
pull as a self-soothing method,”
• The average age of onset is 11, and is often
triggered by an external or internal stimulus
5. Side Effects
• Tension between family and friends
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Swallowing or eating of hair
6. Treatment Options
• There is no cure
• Many sufferers of TTM have “home remedies”
to try and prevent pulling, such as band-aids
on their fingers, having something to fiddle
with, or even tying their hands down when
they feel the urge to pull
7. If someone you know has TTM:
• Do NOT tell them to just stop
• It is an impulse control disorder
• They can’t
• DO NOT ASK THEM ABOUT BALD SPOTS
• who do you think you are don’t do it
