Picking facial hair

Hair pulling from the face can result in complete or partial removal of the eyebrows and eyelashes, while hair pulling from the scalp can result in varying degrees of patches of hair loss. The hair pulling and subsequent hair loss results in distress for the person, and can interfere with social and occupational functioning. For some people, the symptoms of trichotillomania are manageable, but for others, the symptoms can be completely overwhelming. Hair pulling can occur in any region of the body in which hair grows; the most common sites include the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelids. Less common areas include facial, pubic, and peri-rectal regions.

This perception of hair pulling is based more on pop culture than reality. Researchers now know that trichotillomania is far more common than once thought and is uniquely different from anxiety disorders. This makes the disorder more common than Schizophrenia and Bipolar Depression. Unlike anxiety disorders e. It happens automatically and without any conscious effort. Unlike anxiety disorders where fear becomes associated with specific situations, researchers believe that it is a complex integration of biology genetics, hormones, neuroanatomy , psychology emotional regulation , and environment that drives an individual to pull their hair. While some do pull their hair to lower anxiety, many also pull out of boredom, sadness, anger, frustration, loneliness, or excitement.

I feel the urge again. My fingertips run along my face, feeling for imperfections, and I slip into the bathroom to be alone. After a glance in the mirror, I stalk back out, my nails digging into my palms.

Trichotillomania TTM , also known as hair pulling disorder , is a mental disorder characterized by a long term urge that results in the pulling out of one's hair. The disorder may run in families. Treatment is typically with cognitive behavioral therapy. Trichotillomania is usually confined to one or two sites, [7] but can involve multiple sites.