Pulling out the hair, from any area of the body, can be known as a disorder called 'trichotillomania'. You may have a hair pulling disorder if you pull the hair compulsively, find it hard to stop, and perhaps even see bald patches developing as a result.

This disorder is a lot more common that people realise. However, many sufferers are afraid they are the only one, so the condition isn't as understood as many other compulsive disorders.

If you pull your hair yourself, or know someone who does, use this hub as a guide to help you understand the condition.

If you have any questions feel free to ask. I have this disorder myself and, though I'm not a medical expert, I have learnt a lot over the years.

Although the hair pulling disorder is often likened to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), it is actually known as an 'impulse control disorder'.

Impulse control disorders are based on the desire to perform certain actions. These actions often cannot be given up when the sufferer tries, therefore causing effects including emotional pain.

There are other kinds of impulse control disorder, including:

• Stealing,
• Hot-headedness,
• Pathological gambling,
• Starting fires,
• Skin picking.

These are generally regarded to be within the spectrum of obsessive compulsive disorders. A person could have only one of these disorders, or they could have more. Everyone is different.

There are a few different manifestations of the hair pulling disorder (trichotillomania).

Scalp Pulling

This is one of the most common forms of the disorder, where people primarily pull the hair out from their scalp. This can result in noticeable bald patches.

Eyebrow and Eyelash Pulling

These are also common types of the disorder. People may cause their eyebrows and eyelashes to go bald. In many cases, people may also have sore eyes due to the pulling.

Other Areas

Trichotillomania can mean people pull from just about any area of the body. Some people only pull from one area, where others pull from more than one.

Eating Hair

This disorder is also known as trichophagia. Many people who pull out their hair will also eat it. Whilst hair pulling is not usually physically damaging, eating the hair can cause health problems when a hair ball develops in the stomach.

This is not a conclusive guide to all the symptoms of the hair pulling disorder. If you want more information, you should seek medical advice or feel free to ask me a question.