Trichotillomania Test (3mins)

By OptimistMinds
Page last updated: 07/02/2023 | Next review date: 07/02/2025

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

close

Author bio

The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter.  The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.


OptimistMinds
View More north_east

Trichotillomania test is designed to screen the individual for the hair-pulling disorder recognized in DSM 5. This test will screen the symptoms for the specific condition. The results of this test are not diagnostic and provide an estimate for the presence of the condition. This test cannot replace a formal assessment but provides valuable information regarding the presence of the disorder.

Description of the Trichotillomania Test

This test is developed on the basis of DSM 5 criteria for the disorder. This test is not diagnostic but provide valuable information regarding the need for professional help.

Instructions to Follow

Please make sure to mark each question item of this brief test to get the accurate results.

1. I find myself pulling out my hair which results in hair loss

 

2. I try hard to stop or decrease hair pulling

 

3. This hair-pulling behaviour cause distress and impairment in my other important areas of functioning like work, personal, social or academics

 

4. This hair-pulling disorder is not linked with any other medical condition.

 

Final Result :

Trichotillomania

This is a disorder of hair-pulling and this disorder lies in the category of OCD in DSM 5. This lies in the OCD category because of the uncontrollable nature of the behaviour of pulling one’s hair. One tries to stop but they cannot stop because of internal messages to seek satisfaction and sense of pleasure after pulling one’s hair.

Hair pulling from the scalp often leaves patchy bald spots, which causes significant distress and can interfere with social or work functioning. People with trichotillomania may go to great lengths to disguise the loss of hair.

Symptoms of Trichotillomania

Signs and symptoms of trichotillomania often include:

·        Repeatedly pulling your hair out, typically from your scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes, but sometimes from other body areas, and sites may vary over time

·        An increasing sense of tension before pulling, or when you try to resist pulling

·        A sense of pleasure or relief after the hair is pulled

·        Noticeable hair loss, such as shortened hair or thinned or bald areas on the scalp or other areas of your body, including sparse or missing eyelashes or eyebrows

·        Preference for specific types of hair, rituals that accompany hair pulling or patterns of hair pulling

·        Biting, chewing or eating pulled-out hair

·        Playing with pulled-out hair or rubbing it across your lips or face

·        Repeatedly trying to stop pulling out your hair or trying to do it less often without success

·        Significant distress or problems at work, school or in social situations related to pulling out your hair

Enjoyed this article? Then Repin to your own inspiration board so others can too!

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!