Lucinda Ellery Reviews the Common Problems Associated with Severe Hair Pulling

Trichotillomania or TTM is a neurobiological condition that causes those experiencing from it to compulsively pull out their hair. It is an impulse control disorder that most cannot control. If left untreated or undiagnosed it can make a negative impact on the individual’s self-esteem. Lucinda Ellery reviews the three areas that are commonly affected when someone experiences TTM.

Psychological Problems

Just as with any disorder, the psychological health of a person is always greatly affected. Since the results of Trichotillomania can be physically seen, this can have some devastating effects on the patient. To better understand what TTM patients are going through, Lucinda Ellery reviews that these are the common psychological problems:

• Feeling unattractive and depressed due to the compulsion and not being able to control the situation is very common.
• Expressions of shame, irritability, and self-consciousness are secondary psychological effects of hair pulling. 
• Hiding the condition from friends and family. Remaining in silence is hard. During this time it is important to provide support and comfort, especially for young women.

Social Problems

Due to the numerous psychological problems TTM patients go through, their social life is also drastically affected. During social situations they tend to do the following:

• Avoid certain activities that lead them to exposing their hair. 
• TTM patients also avoid relationships as they are afraid to show people their condition. 
• Hair pulling becomes a source of strain in a relationship. Those who are subjected to nagging and other negative treatment from friends and family due to TTM. This adds stress, which can lead to more hair pulling.

Medical Problems

Both the psychological and social problems are very worrisome effects of TTM, but the most troubling of all are the medical problems.

• Hair re-growth can be affected by repeated pulling. 
• Skin damage is common because of the strain excessive pulling can have. Sometimes when pulling is severe, serious infections can occur. 
• Hair ingestion is also linked to TTM. People who ingest hair can develop serious gastrointestinal problems in the long run. 

 The best course of action for someone with TTM is to get treatment as soon as possible. When treated in the early stages, many of the problems cited above can be avoided.