TRICHORRHEXOMANIA Meaning and
Definition
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Trichorrhexomania is a rare hair disorder characterized by the excessive and compulsive urge to pull or break one's own hair. It is considered to be a type of impulse control disorder, where individuals cannot resist the urge to damage their own hair despite the negative consequences it may have on their appearance and overall well-being.
Individuals with trichorrhexomania typically experience an irresistible desire to pull, twist, or break individual hairs, resulting in hair loss, thinning, and damage. The condition often manifests itself in the scalp area but can also affect other parts of the body where hair is present, such as eyebrows, eyelashes, or the pubic region.
Trichorrhexomania can be classified as a type of trichotillomania, which is a broader term encompassing hair-pulling disorders. However, what distinguishes trichorrhexomania from other forms of trichotillomania is the specific focus on breaking or damaging the hair shafts, rather than just pulling it out.
The underlying causes of trichorrhexomania are not yet fully understood, but factors such as genetic predisposition, psychological factors (such as stress, anxiety, or boredom), and environmental triggers may contribute to its development. Treatment approaches can vary, but they often include a combination of therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, habit reversal training, and medication to address any underlying psychological conditions.
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A tic of breaking off the hair of the head or beard by rubbing it against the thin edge of a finger nail.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TRICHORRHEXOMANIA
- trichoarrhexomania
- t richorrhexomania
- tr ichorrhexomania
- tri chorrhexomania
- tric horrhexomania
- trich orrhexomania
- tricho rrhexomania
- trichor rhexomania
- trichorr hexomania
- trichorrh exomania
- trichorrhe xomania
- trichorrhex omania
- trichorrhexo mania
- trichorrhexom ania
- trichorrhexoma nia
- trichorrhexoman ia
- trichorrhexomani a
Etymology of TRICHORRHEXOMANIA
The word "trichorrhexomania" is derived from three Greek roots: "trichos" meaning "hair", "rhexis" meaning "bursting", and "mania" meaning "madness" or "obsession". The combination of these roots reflects the meaning of the term, which refers to an obsessive-compulsive disorder characterized by the compulsion to pull out or break one's own hair.
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