A mental health disorder characterized by the repetitive urge to pull out one's own hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body areas, resulting in noticeable hair loss. The behavior is often preceded by tension and followed by relief or pleasure.
From Greek 'trichos' (hair), 'tillein' (to pull or pluck), and 'mania' (madness or compulsion). The term was coined by French dermatologist François Henri Hallopeau in 1889 after observing a patient who compulsively pulled out his hair.
Trichotillomania affects about 1-2% of the population, with onset typically in adolescence, and is much more common in females. The hair-pulling often occurs during states of relaxation or concentration, like watching TV or reading, and many people are not fully aware they're doing it. The condition can result in significant hair loss and social embarrassment, leading to avoidance of activities like swimming or dating.
Predominantly diagnosed in women and girls; diagnostic criteria and prevalence estimates reflect female-centered research cohorts. Historical psychiatric literature often pathologized women's body-focused behaviors as emotional dysfunction, while similar behaviors in men received less clinical attention.
Use clinically neutral language: 'hair-pulling disorder' or 'body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB)' to avoid gendered pathologizing. Recognize that men and nonbinary individuals also experience this condition.
["body-focused repetitive behavior","hair-pulling disorder","BFRB"]
Women clinicians and researchers (e.g., in dermatology and psychiatry) led modern BFRB research and challenge gender bias in diagnostic criteria and treatment access.
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