Trichotillomania is the medical term for someone who suffers from compulsive urge to pull his or her hair out. The action is often accompanied by a feeling of relief or the release of tension. Though it was first mentioned in the media in 1989, it is believed that there are as many people who suffer with this condition alone as there are people seeking help.

"Dr. [Catherine] Madigan is quick to point out that it is unusual for Trich sufferers to be open about their disorder because of the obvious hair loss, and the stigma that is considered abnormal behavior not only by themselves but by society. She adds that Trichotillomania is very similar to other psychological problems with respect to the silence and social stigma."

Hair pulling is often associated with depression, and can lead to low self-esteem and social insecurities. Some have classified as an obsessive compulsive disorder, but it's more an issue of impulse control and may be precipitated by a stressful event such as a death or divorce in the family. Read more online.

Help for parents of troubled teens can be found at ByParents-ForParents.com. Parents of troubled teens can get help in the form of online resources, articles with tips for parents of teenagers, and a forum where parents can post and answer questions themselves.

Labels: behavioral_issues, depression, disorders