What Is Trichotillomania? Amy Schumer Opens Up About Her Struggles

Trichotillomania is a disorder that causes an irresistible urge to pull out body hair. American actor and stand-up comic Amy Schumer recently opened up about her struggles in dealing with this disorder.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the popular stand-up comedian and actor Amy Schumer opened up about her struggles with Trichotillomania. She expressed her fears involving her three-year-old son inheriting the disorder. "Every time he touches his head I’m having a heart attack," she said. Schumer revealed that she had been suffering from the disorder since she was in school, though she kept it a secret.

"I think everybody has a big secret, and that’s mine. And I’m proud that my big secret only hurts me but it’s been what I’ve carried so much shame about for so long," Schumer mentioned to The Hollywood Reporter. She further added that her condition was way worse when she was younger and she even had to resort to a wig to hide her hair loss. Her condition has continued to persist even in her adulthood.

While the actor continues to suffer with her secret all by herself, speaking up about it has helped her deal with her shame. She says, "I thought putting it in there would be good for me to alleviate some of my shame and maybe, hopefully, help others alleviate some of theirs, too."

What is Trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania is an impulse control disorder which causes a persistent urge to pull out one's own bodily hair and results in noticeable hair loss. According to experts, this disorder is more common among adolescents and young adults and can often cause bald patches on the scalp. "Hair pulling can occur in any area of the body where hair grows. The scalp is the most common area affected, followed by the eyelashes and eyebrows." Dr Harris I Shaafie, MD Dermatology told The Indian Express.

Causes

Environmental and genetic has been suspected as the major cause of the disorder. According to Shaafie, anxiety and stressful events, structural brain abnormalities can also cause Trichotillomania. People suffering from Parkinson's disease, dementia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can also develop the disorder.

Treatment

As per experts, therapy can be helpful in diagnosing the patients of Trichotillomania even for patients over 16 years of age.

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