A Brief Introduction to Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania (TTM), or “trich” as it is commonly known, is an impulse control disorder characterized by the repeated urge to pull out scalp hair, eyelashes, facial hair, nose hair, pubic hair, eyebrows or other body hair, sometimes resulting in noticeable bald patches. Trichotillomania is classified in the DSM-IV as an impulse control disorder, but there are still questions about how it should be classified. It may seem, at times, to resemble a habit, an addiction, a tic disorder or an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Due to social implications the disorder is often unreported and it is difficult to accurately predict prevalence of trichotillomania; 2.5 million in the U.S. may have TTM, with a 1% prevalence rate.

TTM seems to strike most frequently in the pre- or early adolescent years. The typical first-time hair puller is 12 years old, although TTM has affected people as young as one and as old as seventy. It is thought that ninety percent of those with TTM are women, but research is inconclusive and it may simply be the case that men are less likely to seek treatment and can more easily hide their symptoms. A form of TTM that affects very young children appears to occur in males and females at an equal rate and seems to be more benign in nature. . . . (SOURCE: Wikipedia)

Treatment for Hair-Pullers in Dallas, Texas

Jennifer McGarry is the most experienced therapist in Dallas specializing in the treatment of trichotillomania. A licensed professional counselor (LPC), Jennifer has worked with hair-pullers and their families for over 10 years. In addition to her therapeutic work, Jennifer is a frequent presenter/facilitator at conferences and workshops offered by the Trichotillomania Learning Center.

To schedule an appointment with Jennfier, please call 469-222-4185; or email her at jennifer@jennifermcgarry.com.

Additional Resources for Hair-Pullers and Their Families

Due to the shame and embarrassment often associated with trich, hair-pullers and their loved ones have great difficulty seeking out treatment. The effect of this “below the radar” phenomena has been a lack of public awareness about trich and its treatment. Nationally, one of the best informational resources for trich is the Trichotillomania Learning Center, based in Santa Cruz, California. Their website www.trich.org is the most comprehensive clearing house of information.