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Scalp, Hair and Nails (Trichotillomania)

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Picture of Trichotillomania

Picture of Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania: Compulsive hair pulling. A disorder characterized by the repeated urge to pull out scalp hair, eyelashes, eyebrows or other body hair. It is believed to be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder. Treatment may include cognitive-behavior therapy and medications such as Prozac. From tricho-, hair + Greek till(ein) to pluck, pull out + -o- + -mania.

Color Atlas of Pediatric Dermatology Samuel Weinberg, Neil S. Prose, Leonard Kristal Copyright 2008, 1998, 1990, 1975, by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Text: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary by MedicineNet, Inc.