Guide To Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Trichotillomania

Another common compulsion attributed to body-focused repetitive behaviors is trichotillomania. This compulsion is when someone starts pulling their hair out of their scalp. While the hair does not have to actually leave the scalp to be considered trichotillomania, and instead the hair just needs to be pulled, it is typical for someone suffering from this compulsion to pull their hair right from their head. Obviously, this is quite damaging to the scalp. Not only can make it their scalp bleed, which could lead to infection and other dangerous problems, but it can also result in early baldness. Since the compulsion is performed because of a perceived flaw in their hair, if they tug their hair out and develop a bald spot, then they may be more inclined to pull their hair out repeatedly because the flaw has expanded. Even without direct removal of the hair, pulling on it can damage the roots. This can cause the hair to either appear weak or have a tendency to fall out quickly.

Keep reading for more information on the different body-focused repetitive behaviors now.