Effects of Trichotillomania

Some of the common effects of trichotillomania are:

• Constant hair pulling
• Diffuse or bare patches on the scalp or other parts of the body due to hair loss
• Denial of hair pulling
• Uneven appearance on the head causing teasing and ridicule amongst children
• Bowel obstruction and indigestion due to the ingestion of hair strands via the mouth
• Presence of other self injury obsessive compulsive behaviours
• Psychological tension and relief upon hair pulling

These symptoms and effects can lessen and increase throughout life and there is a tendency for the symptoms to re-occur with intensity during stressful or traumatic periods. Life changing times such as puberty can also exacerbate the symptoms.

Some Trich sufferers live with these symptoms for many years rather than seek out treatment. The continual tolerance of the symptoms can increase the psychological distress and increase the intensity of hair pulling.