Definition

Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder [HPD]) is a psychiatric disorder

characterized by a persistent habit of pulling out ones own hair. In
the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition
(DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013), HPD is
dened as recurrent hair pulling that is resistant to attempts to stop
or reduce the behavior and leads to signicant emotional distress or
functional impairment. A diagnosis of HPD is not given if the hair
pulling is better explained by an underlying medical condition (e.g.,
dermatological problem), the effects of substances (e.g., cocaine), or
another psychiatric disorder (e.g., psychotic disorder).
Epydemiology
Compulsive hair pulling has been noted in the literature for centuries.
Although the first well-described cases of trichotillomania, in the 18th
and 19th centuries, focused on adolescent and young adult males
[8,9], some data suggest that trichotillomania may be more prevalent
in females. An internet-based study of 1697 indi- viduals with
trichotillomania found that 93.2% were female [7]. It may be that
males with tricho- tillomania are more reluctant to come forward for
treatment or are more able to conceal hair loss resulting from pulling
(e.g., by shaving). A study of 12 males and 65 females with groom- ing
disorders revealed few clinical differences, although males tended to
have a slightly later age of onset and scored higher on psychosocial
impairment
Etiology

Way to relieve stress

One possible reinforcer for individuals with trichotillomania might be
physiological arousal
Genetics appear to contribute to the develop- ment of trichotillomania
DSM 5 Criteria Trichotillomania hair pulling

A.Recurrent pulling out of ones hair resulting in noticeable hair loss

B.An increasing sense of tension immediately before pulling out the
hair or when attempting to resist the behavior
C.Pleasure, gratification, or relief when pulling out the hair.
D.The disturbance is not better accounted for by another mental
disorder and is not due to a general medical conditions (e.g., a
dermatologic condition
E.The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment
in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.