Trichotillomania is a form of traction alopecia caused by the irresistible compulsion to pull or twist one’s hairs out. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) lists the following criteria for diagnosis of
trichotillomania:
- Recurrent pulling of one’s hair leading to noticeable hair loss.
- An increasing sense of tension immediately before pulling out the hair or when attempting to resist the behavior.
- Pleasure, gratification, or relief when pulling out the hair.
- The condition not attributable to another mental disorder or medical condition.
- The disturbance causing clinically significant distress in social, professional, or personal areas of functioning.