There are many myths surrounding trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder. It is characterized by the persistent and repeated urge to pull one’s hair from anywhere on the body. The result is often substantial hair loss which can cause feelings of anxiety and depression and often impacts the social and professional lives of those with trichotillomania.
Many public misconceptions and myths about trichotillomania can worsen feelings of shame and embarrassment felt by those who experience it. Here, we will look at some common myths about this hair-pulling disorder and try to set the record straight.
Myth #1 Trichotillomania is Extremely Rare
It’s not entirely clear exactly how many people in America deal with trichotillomania. One reason for this is that people don’t necessarily like to talk about or seek treatment for it. People with trichotillomania often go to great lengths to hide their scalp and even themselves entirely to avoid people knowing they have this hair-pulling disorder. This contributes to the perception that trichotillomania is rare.
Some research suggests that between .5% and 2% of the US population has this condition. These percentages mean that as many as 13 million people could have trichotillomania.
Myth #2 Trichotillomania Only Affects Women
During childhood, which is when signs of hair-pulling usually begin, trichotillomania seems to affect boys and girls equally.
However, trichotillomania is seen more frequently in women as they become adults. The ratio of women to men who have hair-pulling disorder as adults is about 4:1.
Trichotillomania may be underreported by men or under-diagnosed in men. Men might be less likely to seek counseling treatment because of shame or the ease of shaving their heads to “get rid of the evidence.”
It can be more difficult for women to hide bald patches, making them more inclined to seek help to manage their condition.
These factors might account for the greater number of women who appear to experience trichotillomania.
Myth #3 Trichotillomania is a Type of Self-Harm
Hair-pulling can be a type of self-harm, but trichotillomania is a compulsive disorder. The difference is in the motivation to pull hair.
Hair pulling with trichotillomania is not the result of extremely intense or deeply negative, uncomfortable emotions. The motivation to pull hair does not come from a desire to hurt or punish.
Trichotillomania is a compulsion to pull hair that can begin from any one of several reasons, including boredom, stress, loneliness, fatigue, and frustration. Most people with trichotillomania have feelings of satisfaction and relief after pulling their hair. Those positive feelings often quickly change to shameful ones.
Myth #4 People Can Just Stop Pulling Their Hair
Trichotillomania is a mental health condition. In addition to causing visible bald patches and hair thinning, it also tends to result in deep feelings of shame, self-consciousness, embarrassment, depression, and anxiety. It requires treatment to stop successfully.
Treatment can include psychotherapy, habit reversal therapy, environmental modifications, self-tracking, and more.
Call Riviera Hair Replacement If You Are Experiencing Trichotillomania
Many of our clients at Riviera Hair Replacement come to us because trichotillomania affects how they look and feel.
Whether you seek treatment for this condition or not, finding the right hair replacement can help you feel more like “yourself” and bring your confidence back.
Do you want to maximize the hair you have? Do you want to explore a full-coverage wig? Don’t wait to call Riviera Hair Replacement at 516-364-0110 to schedule a free consultation. Let us design and create the hair replacement that is right for you – one that will help you feel and your best.
