Welcome to the Trichotillomania Forum!

People of all ages, genders,ethnicities,natiolnalites and socioeconomic backgrounds have tricotillomania. In early chidlhood.TTM seems to occur as frequintly in boys as girls. By adulthood, 80%-90% of reported cases are women. It is estimated to affect one to three percent of the populations, or three to nine million Americans.

Trichotillomania is currently categorized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) as an "impulse control disorder not elsewhere classified." However, there is much debate over how best to categorize trichotillomania and its related behaviors. Even within a single individual with trichotillomania there is usually a great variety of methods and reasons for pulling.

Trichotillomania at times resembles Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in the feelings of compulsion and repetitive behavior, but the two disorders have different symptoms and require different treatments. Trichotillomania may also resemble a tic disorder, as the action of pulling feels automatic and is preceded by an uncomfortable sensation that must be relieved.

What does trichotillomania look like?
Most people with TTM pull enough hair that they have bald spots on their heads, which they go to great lengths to cover with hairstyles, scarves, wigs, or makeup. Others may be missing eyelashes, eyebrows, pubic, underarm, beard, chest, leg or other body hair, which they may camouflage with makeup, clothing, or other means.