What is Trichotillomania?

To understand what is trichotillomania will require considering the body of information on the condition.

Trichotillomania or TTM or Trichotillosis or trich is considered to be an impulse control disorder although it is still debated as to how it should be classified. It can be described as an obsessive-compulsive disorder, a habit, tic disorder or an addiction.

More importantly, in asking what is trichotillomania, the next question to ask is what is the glutathione connection?

A Neurological Disorder

The possibility of it being a neurological disorder rather than a mental disorder comes from a simple emerging treatment that is effective for some. Research suggests that for many, the most effective treatment involves a combination of therapies.

It may start off as a biological / neurological disorder and progress into psychological disorder as a co-morbidity or an illness with co-existing with another illness.

It should not be confused with Trichomoniasis.

The clue to the type of condition it is can determined by the last five letters of the condition, mania. A mania is an illness with an excessive desire or obsession.

The obsession is an urge to repeatedly pull on ones hair. The most notable hair include eyelashes, facial hair like eyebrows. It can be any body hair that is pulled. At its worse, it can result in bald patches.

It Starts in the Teen Years

Trichotillomania first starts in the teen years. Triggers include depression and stress.

The social stigma associated with it results in it being undiagnosed. It can be emotionally painful. According to sites on the web, the numbers are staggering.

Up to 2% of the population, 1 to 2 people in 50 or 2.5 million in the U.S. may have TTM.

Hair is often associated with beauty and vitality. That's why trichotillomania — also called hair-pulling disorder, trich or pulling — for people with the condition.

For some people, trichotillomania may be mild and generally manageable. For others, the urge to pull hair is overwhelming. Some treatment options have helped many people reduce their pulling or stop entirely.

Social Implications

Because of the social implications and potential stigmas, it can be difficult to diagnose. Observing for the visual clues will make if possible to identify the condition. Many work for a resolution on their own. Self help groups are beneficial.

The identifying traits of trich include but are not limited to...

• patches of bald areas on the scalp or body
• missing few eyelashes or eyebrows
• chewing on or eating the hair that has been pulled out
• fondling with pulled-out hair
• rubbing the pulled-out hair on the lips or face

Most often the hair is pulled from the scalp although hair can be pulled from anywhere on the body. Pulling can be both intentional and focused or unconscious.

What is Trichotillomania Hair Pulling and Glutathione?

A study in Archives of General Psychiatry in July 2009 found that a glutathione boosting supplement helped 56% of the those taking it compared to 16% of those taking placebo.

This was the first study ever to look at how dietary supplementation could help produce significant reductions in trichotillomania symptoms. There were no adverse problems in those using the supplement. More on this will be covered on another page.

Have we missed something on what is trichotillomania. Please let us know if something should be added or omitted.

Treatment for Trichotillomania looks at what is being done and what is working. There is a new treatment on the block. Only thing, it is not a medicine!

Cause of Trichotillomania looks at the background of Trich.

Etymology of Trichotillomania looks at the word history and origin or the term that is used to describe trichotillomania.

Trichotillomania Support There are numerous support groups. If your are a group or know of one, please drop us a line and let us know where you are so we can list you here.

Trichotillomania Help will introduce you to some of the places you can get support and help.

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