This is impulse control disorder or type of self-injury characterized by the frequent insist on to pull out scalp hair, eyelashes, facial hair, nose hair, pubic hair, eyebrows or other body hair, occasionally resulting in noticeable bald areas. TTM is classified as an impulse control disorder because it may seem to look like a habit, an addiction, a tic disorder or an obsessive-compulsive disorder. TTM often begins during the individual’s teenage years. Depression or stress can trigger the trich. Due to social allegations the disorder is often unreported and it is difficult to foresee correctly occurrence of TTM
People with TTM live quite normal lives, but they have bald spots on their head, among their eyelashes, pubic hair, or brows. Further psychological outcome can be low self-esteem, frequently related to being shunned by peers and the fear of socializing due to appearance and negative attention they may get. Individuals with TTM usually wear hats, wigs, eyebrow pencil, or style their hair trying to avoid interest. There seems to be a strong stress-related factor. In low-stress environments, symptoms will not be noticeable whatsoever. However, ‘pulling’ often starts after leaving this surroundings.
Most clinicians will classify TTM as a habit behavior found in the same family as nail biting or neurotic skin pick. These disorders are a cross between mental disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder and physical disorders such as stereotypic movement disorder because the person performs repetitive movements without being bothered by or completely aware of them. It is considered that individuals with TTM pull because of the sight or feel of a certain area of hair. This theory varies by the individual, as some TTM sufferers say the disorder is not an obsession with looks but more a habit or an addiction.