Many people who suffer from compulsive hair-pulling, trichotillomania, do so in secret, embarrassed and feeling like they cannot be helped. The truth is that trichotillomania is not an uncommon condition and there are now recognised forms of treatment that have proven effective.
It is estimated that around one in 50 people is affected by trichotillomania at some point in their life. It is more common in females, becoming around five to ten times more likely in 12- and 13-year-old girls than in boys the same age. In terms of those seeking help, 12 times as many women as men look for treatment, although this may not reflect the exact proportions of sufferers as the feelings of shame and embarrassment may affect men and women differently.
The extent to which trichotillomania affects people varies. It might just be a few minutes compulsively attempting to pluck one particular hair or it might be a period of hours, where the sufferer pulls out almost all of it, despite battling the compulsion.
It is possible that there is a genetic cause for the condition, but research indicates that it is likely to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain as certain anti-depressants can counteract it.
One of the most successful approaches for dealing with trichotillomania is the use of cognitive behavioural therapy. A therapist can teach the sufferer mental tactics to cope with the compulsion and ways to identify the triggers before a bout takes hold.