What disorder is characterized by recurrent irresistible urges to pull out hair from various areas?

Trichotillomania is a disorder characterized by recurrent and irresistible urges to pull out hair from various areas of the body, including the scalp, eyebrows, and other regions. This behavior often leads to noticeable hair loss and can significantly impair social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. It falls under the category of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Individuals with trichotillomania may pull hair as a way to manage stress, anxiety, or tension. The act of hair pulling can provide temporary relief or satisfaction, complicating the disorder further as individuals continue the behavior despite possible detrimental effects on their appearance and emotional well-being.

Understanding this disorder is crucial, as it can often co-occur with other conditions, including anxiety disorders or depression. Treatment options frequently involve cognitive-behavioral therapy and sometimes medications, which can help manage the urges and provide coping strategies for those affected.

In contrast, hoarding disorder specifically involves the excessive accumulation of items and significant difficulty discarding them, while body dysmorphic disorder entails an obsession with perceived flaws in physical appearance. Excoriation disorder, on the other hand, involves repetitive skin picking, leading to skin lesions and is