For most people, the expression “I’m so stressed I could pull out my hair!” is just a saying. But for some, it’s the reality of living with trichotillomania, a psychological disorder that leads people to compulsively and uncontrollably pull out their own hair – from the head, eyelashes, eyebrows, and other bodily areas.
The disorder affects women more often than men, at a ratio of around ten to one. Around 80% of the people affected develop the disorder between the ages of six and 18, and experience it for at least 20 years.
Pulling hair reduces feelings of frustration, anxiety, boredom and sadness in people with the disorder.
