The impulse control disorder that is characterized by the compulsive urge to pull or twist one’s hair is called trichotillomania. When left untreated, this uncontrollable urge will lead to hair breakage or hair loss resulting to baldness on the scalp and in some areas of the torso or body where hair is present. Trichotillomania is commonly known as "hair-pulling" disorder. In this case, the individual cannot control his urge to pull his hair and often, he does it in private and tries to hide his disorder from people around him. The main target of this disorder is the hair on the head and this is followed by pulling hair from the eyebrows and other areas of the body. People still go on with their hair pulling, without asking professional help, and only a few are conscious of this impulse While others may be conscious of their disorder, some are not at all conscious of their action Brushing the hair, scratching, or when facing the mirror are certain actions that may trigger hair pulling. Often, the individual is also rendered by stress to succumb to hair pulling and hair twisting.

Diagnosis of trichotillomania covers the following signs:

1. The individual has an uncontrollable urge to pull hair and a feeling of satisfaction or gratification after the hair is pulled.

Patches of baldness on the scalp and other parts of the body are found on the individual.

3. There are some missing eyebrow hair or eyelashes.

Absentmindedly, the individual sometimes chews the pulled out hair..

Unconsciously sometimes, the individual may rub his pulled out hair across his face.

Lately, only limited methods of treatment have been shown in the study of trichotillomania. There are no other methods of treatment except the successful treatment that involves psychotherapy and medication. In psychotherapy, to lessen the patient’s urge to pull his hair uncontrollably, the method of habit reversal training is used. In this therapy, the individual is trained to focus on situations where he is stimulated to pull his hair. Next, the patient is on his habit reversal by dealing with the situation with another substitute action he can easily or comfortably act out. For example, when facing the mirror the individual has the urge to pull his hair, he must clench his fist to control his impulsive behavior or urge. An alternative treatment for trichotillomania aside from habit reversal is the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The individual deals with accepting his condition and committing himself to follow instructions against acting out his impulses. In medication, antidepressants are used such as clomipramine.. Another medication used for treating trichotillomania are SSRIs. The patient can also benefit much emotionally from the moral support of his family, friends, and co-workers.