Mental health
Medicines for Trichotillomania
A condition where a person repeatedly pulls out their own hair, causing hair loss — a recognised, treatable condition, not simply a "bad habit".
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) is a condition in which a person repeatedly pulls out their own hair, leading to noticeable hair loss. The hair is most often pulled from the scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes, but can be from anywhere on the body.
- How it is treated: Trichotillomania is treatable, and a supportive, non-judgemental approach is important.
- Self-care: Identifying triggers (stress, boredom, certain situations), strategies to make pulling harder or manage the urge, managing stress and any anxiety or low mood, and a supportive, non-blaming environment all help alongside habit reversal therapy.
- When to seek help: See a GP if you (or your child) repeatedly pull out hair and find it hard to stop, or if it is causing hair loss or distress — it is a recognised, treatable condition, and talking therapies such as habit reversal training help.
What it is
Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) is a condition in which a person repeatedly pulls out their own hair, leading to noticeable hair loss. The hair is most often pulled from the scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes, but can be from anywhere on the body. It causes patchy hair loss, often with hairs of different lengths and broken hairs in the affected areas. People with trichotillomania usually feel a strong urge to pull, and a sense of tension beforehand and relief or gratification during or after — but they often also feel distress, shame, or a lack of control, and may try to stop or hide it. It is considered one of a group of "body-focused repetitive behaviours". It can start in childhood or adolescence and range from mild to severe, sometimes significantly affecting self-esteem, social life and wellbeing. Importantly, it is a recognised mental-health condition — not simply a bad habit or something a person can easily "just stop" — and it is treatable, so understanding and support, rather than blame, are key.
How it is treated
Trichotillomania is treatable, and a supportive, non-judgemental approach is important. The main treatment is a type of talking therapy, particularly a behavioural approach called habit reversal training (often part of cognitive behavioural therapy), which helps the person become aware of the urges and triggers and develop alternative responses to replace the pulling; this is effective for many people. Support in identifying triggers (such as stress, boredom, or particular situations), and strategies to make pulling harder or to manage the urge, are part of this. Treating any associated anxiety, depression or stress helps, and in some cases medication is considered as part of care. Because it can be linked to distress and self-esteem, emotional support is valuable, and for children, working with the family is important. Reassurance that it is a recognised condition, that the person is not to blame, and that help works, is itself therapeutic. The hair usually regrows if pulling stops, unless there has been long-term damage. The reassuring message is that trichotillomania is a recognised, treatable condition, and effective help — particularly habit reversal therapy — is available.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Trichotillomania
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Identifying triggers (stress, boredom, certain situations), strategies to make pulling harder or manage the urge, managing stress and any anxiety or low mood, and a supportive, non-blaming environment all help alongside habit reversal therapy. Support groups can help too.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP if you (or your child) repeatedly pull out hair and find it hard to stop, or if it is causing hair loss or distress — it is a recognised, treatable condition, and talking therapies such as habit reversal training help. There is no need for shame in seeking help.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Trichotillomania: frequently asked questions
Is trichotillomania just a bad habit?
No — it is a recognised mental-health condition (a body-focused repetitive behaviour), not simply a bad habit that a person can easily "just stop". People often feel a strong urge and a lack of control, along with distress. Importantly, it is treatable.
How is trichotillomania treated?
Mainly with a talking therapy called habit reversal training (often part of CBT), which helps the person recognise urges and triggers and develop alternative responses. Managing stress and any anxiety or low mood helps, and support is important. Hair usually regrows if pulling stops.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder)
- Mind / RCPsych guidance
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