A Different Kind of 'Coming Out'

Ok.

I have trichotillomania.

There.  I said it.


Trichotillomania as defined by TLC: The Trichotillomania Learning Center:

Trichotillomania (trick-o-til-o-MAY-nee-ah) is a disorder that causes people to pull out the hair from their scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, pubic area, underarms, beard, chest, legs or other parts of the body, resulting in noticeable bald patches. Hair pulling varies greatly in its severity, location on the body, and response to treatment. For some people, at some times, trichotillomania is mild and can be quelled with a bit of extra awareness and concentration. For others, at times the urge may be so strong that it makes thinking of anything else nearly impossible.

Trichotillomania (also referred to as TTM or "trich") is currently defined as an impulse control disorder but there are still questions about how it should be classified. It may seem to resemble a habit, an addiction, a tic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Most recently, it is being conceptualized as part of a family of "body-focused repetitive behaviors" (BFRBs) along with skin picking and nail biting.


So, there you have it.

I wanted to start a blog to reach out to others suffering from this and to help educate my family, friends, and anyone willing to read my ramblings!  Trich and associated BFRBs are much more prevalent than you would think.  Most people have at least a body focused "habit" I would say.  I constantly see people messing with their hair (twisting, running fingers through, checking and breaking split ends), scratching at their scalps, picking at acne/scabs, biting their nails, and/or messing with their cuticles.

Sound like anything you do?

I am keeping this first post short, and will go into greater detail in following posts.  I want to include information, opinions, theories, and document the struggles I face living with this and trying to find treatment options.

Just to note: people with these disorders have a high level of self consciousness, shame, guilt, and extreme embarassment.  If you think you know someone who has this, please be kind, if you don't know what to say, it is best to not say anything at all.

For more information, I urge you to visit the TLC website
Trichotillomania Learning Center  

-Marnie