BFRB Symptoms - symptoms of body focused repetitive behaviours
Trichotillomania Symptoms
In this article, we have used Trichotillomania as a BFRB example as the symptoms can sometimes be visible. Below are the general signs of trichotillomania. Nobody has all these symptoms but these are among the many reported by people we studied.
Hair pulling varying from non-perceptible to complete baldness of the affected area.
Physical symptoms of Trichotillomania:
Hairs of varying lengths and textures.
Sores on the scalp – also related to dermatillomania (compulsive skin picking or CSP).
Unwillingness to be seen without make-up or having spent a lot of time styling hair to cover signs.
Reluctance or refusal to visit hairdressers or opticians.
Eye infections in cases of eyelash pulling.
Shy appearance, for example looking down, difficulty making eye contact.
Avoiding activities like swimming and running.
Ingrown hairs – particularly in relation to leg hair pulling.
Ingestion of the hair can result in the formation of hairballs and lead to gastrointestinal or other medical problems.
Emotional symptoms of Trichotillomania:
Social & Generalised Anxiety
Problems with working memory and sleep
Low self-esteem
Perfectionism
Anxiety
Social anxiety, shyness, anxiety about getting close or losing people
Difficulty expressing emotions like anger
Obsessions about the passage of time
Obsession with appearance and self worth
Low self-esteem
Related Conditions often alongside BFRBs – This is known as Comorbitity
Trichotillomania may co-exist with other conditions, such as:
Social anxiety
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
Dermatillomania (skin picking)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Addictions
Eating Disorders