Should you see a doctor for trichotillomania?

When to see a GP See your GP if you’re pulling your hair out or if you notice that your child is. You should also see your GP if you or your child has a habit of eating hair. This can cause hairballs to form in the stomach, leading to serious illness.

Can a doctor help with trichotillomania?

Seeking help is the first step in treating trichotillomania. At first you may see your primary care doctor or a dermatologist. He or she may refer you to a mental health professional.

How do doctors test for trichotillomania?

How is trichotillomania diagnosed? If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical examination. There are no tests—such as X-rays or blood tests—to diagnose trichotillomania, although tests might be used to rule out any medical cause for the hair loss.

Can I self diagnose trichotillomania?

In recent decades there has been growing research and hence growing support for trichotillomania, and thus as public awareness of the condition increases, more and more individuals have been able to identify the signs and symptoms in themselves.

Does trichotillomania ever go away?

If you can’t stop pulling your hair and you experience negative repercussions in your social life, school or occupational functioning, or other areas of your life because of it, it’s important to seek help. Trichotillomania won’t go away on its own. It is a mental health disorder that requires treatment.

Does shaving your head help trichotillomania?

For many people suffering from trichotillomania, shaving the head has been the answer to their daily struggles, some even finding relief and a sense of renewed freedom from the shackles of this disorder.

Who is at risk for trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania usually occurs in adolescence in the first instance. However, the disorder has occurred in very young children, through to adults up to approximately 60 years of age. During childhood, the disorder affects males and females in equal numbers; in adulthood, females are affected more often than males.

How serious is trichotillomania?

Although it may not seem particularly serious, trichotillomania can have a major negative impact on your life. Complications may include: Emotional distress. Many people with trichotillomania report feeling shame, humiliation and embarrassment.

Why do I have trichotillomania?

People who have other compulsive habits or OCD may be more likely to develop trichotillomania. Experts think the urge to pull hair happens because the brain’s chemical signals (called neurotransmitters) don’t work properly. This creates the irresistible urges that lead people to pull their hair.