Trichotillomania, skin picking disorder, and pregnancy

Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder) and skin picking disorder have typical age of onset around puberty, and appear more common in women than in men, suggesting the possibility that hormonal systems may relate to symptoms. Yet virtually no research has explored relationships between pregnancy (and the post-partum period) and symptom severity in people affected by these conditions.

People with trichotillomania and/or skin picking disorder were recruited from the general community if they had previously experienced at least one pregnancy during their lifetimes. Data were collected regarding perceived relationships between symptom severity, pregnancy, and the post-partum period.

Whilst some women reported an exacerbation of hair pulling and/or skin picking during pregnancy or in the perinatal period, the majority of women reported no change or even reductions in such symptoms during these times.

These data suggest that relationships between pregnancy and hair pulling plus skin picking symptoms can vary depending on the individual. Future work could examine these relationships at the time of pregnancy and afterwards, rather than using retrospective questionnaires; and could also collect biological measures to help explore any underlying mechanisms that may account for this variation in symptoms.