Trichotillomania, or hair pulling disorder can cause intense emotional and psychological problems for the individual. Feelings of guilt, shame and loneliness are just some of the negative feelings associated with this condition. Not surprisingly experiencing such negative feelings toward oneself over a prolonged period of time can lead to depression. Symptoms of depression include sadness, lethargy, loss of appetite, feelings of hopelessness and failure, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts or feelings. But what if the person has depression as a primary diagnosis? Could the depression conversely be a trigger for trichotillomania? One research study found that in a sample of 303 outpatients with major depressive Disorder (MDD), as many as 5% endorsed symptoms of trichotillomania.

Trichology is 'the science of the scalp and hair in health and disease' and is regarded as a specialist branch of Dermatology. Trichologists are academically trained in hair and scalp biology and disorders, and as such are able to advise on, diagnose and treat hair loss, problems of the scalp, and hair breakage and damage. Although health professionals can train in trichology, on its own, trichology is not regulated by health professional licensing. This means that it is not against the law for an untrained person to call themselves a trichologist. However there are organizations who guide the development and ethics of the profession and provide accreditation to trichologists to provide assurance to potential clients.

In order to effectively treat any condition we first need to understand the cause. With increasing awareness of body-focussed repetitive behaviours (BFRBs) such as trichotillomania, research in the field has also increased. One of the questions inevitably raised is whether there is a neurobiological cause for BFRBs that could be treated through diet or medication. One of the theories centres on the role of neurotransmitters in skin picking and hair pulling behaviours.

A New Year has come and gone and just like that the vigour and excitement at the prospect of a new beginning is replaced by the reality of life. The turn of the proverbial calendar page from December 31 to January 1 fills us with hope as many of us resolve to do better, to be better. Sadly, only 8% of the 45% of Americans who set New Year’s Resolutions in 2014, achieved their goals. The stats are even more against you if your resolution is around self improvement, including the goal to stop hair pulling, skin picking or any one of the body-focussed repetitive behaviours (BFRBs).  Of course this does not mean that we should not set New Year’s resolutions or that we should not resolve to stop pulling. What it means is that we need to reassess how we go about making these goals a reality. And for most of us, the part we are missing, is the PLAN!