Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder)

Quiet the Urge. Heal the Pattern. Reclaim Control.

What Is Trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania, also known as Hair-Pulling Disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by a strong, repetitive urge to pull out hair—most often from the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes. While it may bring a moment of relief or release, it’s often followed by distress, shame, and an overwhelming feeling of being out of control.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we understand that trichotillomania is not a habit or a sign of weakness. It’s a neurobiological condition rooted in compulsive behavior loops. Our care model addresses these patterns at the brain level, helping you calm the urge and heal the emotional and physical impact.

 

Common Signs of Trichotillomania

You may be experiencing hair-pulling disorder if you:

  • Repeatedly pull out hair from your head, face, or other areas

  • Feel rising tension or anxiety before pulling, and a sense of relief after

  • Struggle to stop or control the behavior, even when you want to

  • Try to hide bald spots or avoid social situations

  • Feel shame, frustration, or hopelessness about your hair-pulling

  • Notice increased urges during stress, boredom, or emotional overwhelm

Trichotillomania often begins in adolescence but can persist into adulthood. It’s closely related to OCD and body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) and may co-occur with anxiety, depression, or trauma.

 

A Brain-Based, Whole-Person Approach

At Alleviant, we don’t just try to stop the behavior. We look at why it’s happening. Our Objective Psychiatry model uses brain mapping, psychiatry, therapy, and integrative care to treat the neurological patterns and emotional triggers driving compulsive behaviors like trichotillomania.

Your personalized care may include:

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Comprehensive Psychiatry (In-Person or Telehealth)

Our psychiatry services provide thoughtful evaluation and personalized treatment to support emotional stability, improve daily functioning, and promote long-term mental wellness.

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Medication Management

When appropriate, medications such as SSRIs, NAC (N-acetylcysteine), or other targeted treatments may help reduce urges and improve impulse regulation.

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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Brain stimulation therapies designed to retrain and stabilize brainwave activity, which is helpful for reducing compulsive urges and improving mood regulation.

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Therapy (In-Person or Telehealth)

CBT and Habit Reversal Training (HRT) are highly effective therapies for trichotillomania. We help you build awareness, interrupt the behavior cycle, and replace it with healthier coping skills.

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Spectral EEG (sEEG)

We use a non-invasive scan to identify irregular brainwave patterns tied to impulse control, anxiety, and stress response so we can target your care effectively.

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Health Coaching (Telehealth)

We address underlying factors like inflammation, gut health, nutritional imbalances, or hormonal issues that can heighten stress reactivity and compulsive behavior.

Start a Calmer, More Empowered Chapter

Hair-pulling may feel isolating, shameful, or out of your control, but you’re not defined by the behavior. With the right care, freedom is possible. You can learn to interrupt the cycle, soothe your nervous system, and reconnect with your body with gentleness and confidence.

Click below to schedule an appointment online or call your nearest Alleviant clinic. We’ll help you develop a personalized plan to reduce urges, strengthen coping strategies, and support true healing, inside and out.

Schedule Your Appointment

Schedule an appointment today by calling us at (866) 951-4325 or by clicking below.

In-person and virtual visits are available.

Insurances Accepted

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This is not an inclusive list as we are in-network with most major insurances.