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Hair pulling (trichotillomania).

Psychoanalytic Review

|January 1, 1983

Summary

Trichotillomania, or hair-pulling disorder, often begins in childhood due to unhealthy parent-child relationships. Impaired ego development and failure to establish object constancy contribute to compulsive hair pulling for temporary reassurance.

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Child Development
Psychopathology

Background:

Trichotillomania is characterized by an irresistible urge to pull out one's hair.
The disorder's origins are often linked to early childhood experiences and parent-child dynamics.

Observation:

An over-involved mother may hinder a child's development of independence and mastery.
This can lead to underdeveloped or distorted ego functions and a limited sense of self-sufficiency.

Findings:

Poor parent-child relationships impair ego development, preventing the establishment of object constancy.
Hair may symbolize a lost need-gratifying object, with pulling and reincorporation providing temporary security.

Implications:

Understanding these early psychological antecedents is crucial for treating trichotillomania.
Therapeutic interventions may need to address attachment issues and promote ego strengthening.