People who are focused pull their hair for relief and distress. Other people do it automatically, which is when a person pulls out hair from scalp without even knowing it. People who do it automatically may do it when they are watching television or just simply brushing their hair, which is a normal act. People who are focused they tend to have this disorder. Impulsive disorders may lead to an imbalance in the brain. So, trichotillomania is a disorder because it can be inherited; which is a characteristic that is genetically pasted from parents or ancestors, or just another disorder caused by anxiety and stress. .
Trichotillomania has many signs and symptoms, and if caught in time, it can be treatable. "Most people who have trichotillomania also will pick their skin, bite their nails or chew their lips. Sometimes pulling hair from pets or dolls or from materials, such as clothes or blankets, may be a sign." (Hair-pulling Disorder). When a person has trichotillomania, they tend to pull hair from scalp, but hair can also be pulled out from eyebrows, eyelashes, arms, face, and underarms. "People often start compulsive hair-pulling around the ages of 12-13; although it is not uncommon for it to start at a much younger or older age" (Hair Pulling Disorder). Even though it occurs mostly in kids, it can still occur in adults. "The number of adults with trichotillomania has been estimated as anywhere between 0.6 percent and up to four percent of the population" (Holbrook Online). This disorder is vividly increasing over time. It is frequently caused by stress, which eight out of ten Americans go through. (Gregoire 1). People say it has been increasing because of lack of employment and economic status. People who have this disorder might have other disorders like depression, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive disorder. After they successfully pull their hair out, they feel a relief.
