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Hairy Scary ? What Trichotillomania Really Means |
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Trichotillomania is a symptom where one can
not stop pulling their hair. This will result in a noticeable amount of
hair loss. This is classified as an impulse control disorder when
thinking about it psychologically. Knowing what mental and physical
effects are related to trichotillomania can help you in solving the
problem.
Trichotillomania, often begins in
adolescent stage, that is around the ages of twelve and thirteen.
However, it can also occur in older and younger people as well. With a
stressful event that occurs in one’s life, Trichotillomania is usually
associated with. Abuse, lifestylechanges and family conflict are some of
the more common examples that may result in excessive hair pulling.
Excessive
hair pulling does not have a known medical problem associated with it.
Chemical messengers in nerve cells and in the brain begin to react
abnormally by the pain, allowing one to think that it is a pleasurable
feeling. However, most say that the problem begins by stressful
situations occurring in one’s life. Others relate the hair pulling to
genetics.
Usually, trichotillomania will begin when one feels an
increase in tension. They may also be resisting a certain type of
behavior. This tension is then released when one pulls out their hair.
As a result, the person is able to feel a type of pleasure and relief
when pulling out their hair. Because of this reinforced feeling, hair
pulling then begins to become a habit to release tension. Those who have
formed a habit of excessive hair pulling may also try to release this
same tension in other ways. This may include things such as nail biting,
thumb sucking, head banging or compulsive scratching.
Unlike
other mental illnesses, this particular problem is not associated with
many other problems. It is simply the result of a habit that is formed
from stress. Most who have trichotillomania don’t have a hard time
functioning socially. The work and school performance will also most
likely not change. The changes that do occur will often from those who
have found that one has a problem of pulling out hair. They respond in a
negative social way, which then causes more damage.
Many that
have trichotillomania may also have other disorders. These are not
related to the excessive hair pulling, but rather, are a result of other
factors. One of the more well known associations with this mental
problem is obsessive-compulsive disorder. This is where one becomes
compulsive with certain routines that take place every day. Depression
may also occur as a result of hair pulling.
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