The “Pulling hair Out Meme” has gained immense popularity, with over 2.9 billion views worldwide. This meme relates to trichotillomania, a condition where individuals are urged to pull out their hair. While this behavior can be embarrassing for others, those suffering from trichotillomania often hide it from others due to the embarrassment it causes them.
Why Do People Pull Their Hair Out?
Trichotillomania is an impulse control disorder characterized by compulsive hair pulling. This behavior can result in bald spots and damaged hair follicles, preventing new hair growth. Individuals with trichotillomania may also ingest the drawn hair, leading to digestive issues. Additionally, they may feel ashamed and embarrassed and experience anxiety and depression due to this disorder. Trichotillomania is believed to be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Trichotillomania – An Impulse Control Disorder
Trichotillomania is an impulse control disorder where individuals experience irresistible urges to pull their hair out, along with other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). This condition can cause visible hair loss and distress, leading individuals to go to great lengths to hide it from others. Symptoms of trichotillomania can vary in duration and may be triggered by stress, anxiety, genetics, or brain changes. Consulting a healthcare provider is crucial if trichotillomania becomes problematic.
Treatment
The most successful treatment for trichotillomania is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which targets explicitly hair-pulling disorder. Medications may also be used in combination with therapy. Individuals with trichotillomania may often engage in other compulsive behaviors, such as picking at the skin, biting nails, or chewing cheeks and eyebrows without realizing it.
Symptoms
Trichotillomania entails an irresistible urge to pull out one’s hair, typically from the scalp, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Despite being aware that this behavior is wrong, individuals with trichotillomania cannot stop themselves. The compulsion to pull hair can be triggered by emotionally charged situations or even in seemingly harmless settings. Many individuals attempt to hide their hair pulling, resulting in feelings of low self-esteem and shame. Trichotillomania can have serious medical consequences if left untreated, including hair loss and the formation of hairballs in the gastrointestinal tract.
