trichotillomania

American  

[trik-uh-til-uh-mey-nee-uh] / ˌtrɪk əˌtɪl əˈmeɪ ni ə /

noun

Psychiatry.

1. a compulsion to pull out one's hair.

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Etymology

Origin of trichotillomania

1900–05; tricho- + Greek tíll ( ein ) to pluck, pull out + -o- + -mania

Explanation

Trichotillomania is an obsessive, irresistible urge to pull out your own hair. It's a serious mental condition. Many psychological compulsions and conditions include the word mania, such as pyromania, which is a compulsion to set fires. Another is trichotillomania, a condition suffered by people who can't help pulling out their own hair. This goes way beyond the frustrated saying "I was pulling out my own hair!" This is a real mental-health problem that can cause serious behavior and appearance problems for the sufferers. Anyone who thinks they might have trichotillomania should consult a doctor.

Example Sentences

Ruben's partner Amber Phillips said she first became aware of Ruben's trichotillomania when they were watching TV.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

If my trichotillomania had not got really bad after wasting a lot of money then I would never have created the lash oil that is keeping my business afloat.

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2024

The "Life & Beth" creator and star recently revealed that she has "trichotillomania."

From Fox News • Mar. 25, 2022

Their lead compound, SXC-2023, has even progressed to phase II clinical testing, where it is being administered to patients with an impulse control disorder called trichotillomania, also known as the hair-pulling disorder.

From Scientific American • Jan. 13, 2020

This judgment and blame continued even after trichotillomania got its official diagnosis and was added to the DSM.

From The Guardian • Aug. 23, 2018