What kind of psychological disorder does trichotillomania belong to

Hair pulling disorder belongs to compulsive and related disorders, and is a psychological disorder characterized by repeated removal of one's own hair. Hair pulling syndrome may be related to genetic factors, emotional regulation disorders, environmental stress, neurobiological abnormalities, psychological developmental abnormalities, and other factors. It usually manifests as uncontrollable hair pulling impulses, areas of hair loss, and reduced tension after hair pulling. Patients can improve their symptoms through cognitive-behavioral therapy, habit reversal training, medication therapy, psychological support, family intervention, and other methods.

1. Genetic factors

Patients with hair pulling disorder may have a familial genetic tendency, with some cases showing similar behaviors among first-degree relatives. These patients may have abnormal central nervous system dopamine and serotonin system functions, leading to a decrease in impulse control ability. For hair pulling caused by genetic factors, doctors may recommend using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine capsules and sertraline tablets to regulate neurotransmitter balance, combined with mindfulness based stress relief therapy to improve symptoms.

2. Emotional regulation disorders

Negative emotions such as anxiety and depression may trigger hair pulling behavior, and patients often obtain short-term emotional release through hair pulling. These patients may also have repetitive behaviors such as skin picking and nail biting. In terms of treatment, Venlafaxine sustained-release tablets can be used to regulate emotions, combined with acceptance and commitment therapy to help patients establish a healthy emotional regulation mechanism. Parents should pay attention to observing their children's emotional changes and provide timely psychological support.

III. Environmental stress

Stress events such as academic pressure and family conflicts may trigger or exacerbate symptoms of hair pulling. Patients often unconsciously pull their hair, eyebrows, and other body hair in solitary or stressful situations. Treatment should start with stress source management, and try combining clomipramine tablets with progressive muscle relaxation training. It is recommended that parents help children and patients establish a regular schedule, reduce excessive blame, and create a low-pressure living environment.

4. Neurobiological abnormalities

Some patients have basal ganglia dysfunction, leading to impaired motor inhibition function. Brain imaging examinations may reveal abnormal metabolic activity in relevant brain regions. Doctors may prescribe aripiprazole orally disintegrating tablets to regulate dopamine function, combined with transcranial magnetic stimulation and other physical therapies to improve neural regulation. These patients require long-term follow-up to evaluate treatment outcomes.

Fifth, psychological developmental abnormalities

Childhood traumatic experiences or attachment relationship disorders may lead to hair pulling becoming a coping mechanism. Patients often have psychological characteristics such as low self-esteem and social avoidance. Treatment requires the use of olanzapine tablets to control impulsive symptoms, combined with expressive psychotherapy such as sandplay to address potential psychological conflicts. Parents need to be patient and avoid reinforcing the patient's sense of shame. Patients with hair pulling syndrome should maintain a balanced diet and supplement with foods rich in vitamin B such as whole grains and lean meat in moderation, which can help regulate nervous system function. Regular yoga, slow jogging, and exercise can alleviate anxiety. Establish regular sleep habits to avoid excessive fatigue. Patients can wear gloves or use stress relieving toys instead of plucking their hair. Family members should avoid overly focusing on the plucking behavior itself and instead reinforce positive behavior. When symptoms persist, it is necessary to seek timely medical attention at a psychiatric department. Early systematic intervention can achieve better prognosis.