Trichotillomania as a Cause of Hair Loss
You may hear people wishing they could relive their
childhood. Maybe these people have forgotten, but being a child is harder
than some may think. Even the popular kids undergo stress and pressure that
parents may not be able to relate to. If unchecked, this can lead to anxiety
and depression. Depressed children are at great risk to themselves and most
often develop impulse control disorders. One of these conditions is called
trichotillomania, a disorder that can be found in children ages five and up.
First coined in 1889 by Francois Hallopeau, a French
dermatologist, trichotillomania describes a condition in which a person
constantly twists and pulls their hair resulting in breakage, and sometimes,
even patches of missing hair. Four percent of the population may be
suffering from trichotillomania as you read this sentence. It is also not
exclusive to children, there are adults that suffer from trichotillomania as
well. Whether caused by intense stress, anxiety or depression, the hair
pulling can become a habit. Hair pulling is also not limited to the top of
the head. Other areas of the body with hair may suffer as well, but the
scalp is most common. Patients with the disorder may or may not get relief
from the pulling of hair, as some with trichotillomania do not even realize
they are doing it.
It can be difficult to diagnose someone with
trichotillomania, as the afflicted usually don’t voluntarily admit they are
pulling their hair. Signs may include growth of stubble in the affected area
and uneven hair growth. Patients may also be socially inept and have low
self esteem. A check up may still be in order to rule out any other scalp
conditions. It’s best to have these people checked up right away as serious
cases exhibit permanent loss of hair, carpal tunnel syndrome and
trichophagia among other negative effects. People with trichophagia eat
their own hair, which may end up forming a trichobezoar or hairball in the
stomach. If trichotillomania is suspected, a trip to the psychologist’s
office will be recommended.
Drug treatment is usually not suggested immediately,
and sometimes even frowned upon. The most effective method of action is a
process known as Habit Reversal Training. With this treatment, patients are
taught to relax and redirect the urge to pull hair. When a competing
behavior is developed, the patient will exercise the will power to do that
action instead of harm himself. If this alone is not enough, an
antidepressant will be prescribed. For preschool children, parents are
advised to just leave them be as children at that age will merely outgrow
the condition. If the condition
persists as they grow older, however, the best solution would be to pinpoint
any sources of stress or anxiety and find ways to alleviate or resolve them.
The next time someone says they want to relive their
nostalgic memories, maybe you can give them a heads up and tell them about
trichotillomania. Being a kid isn’t as easy as you might think. In addition,
if you notice anybody feeling stressed or depressed, especially children,
give them an open ear and see if they need special help.
You wouldn’t want a 9 year old to
have permanent bald spots.
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