In the DSM-5 Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder) and Excoriation Disorders (Skin Picking Disorder) are included in the Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders section. Each of these disorders is present in about 1-2% of the population. They are common in females and share some similarities with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It generally starts before adulthood but can start later.
Take steps to detect
In my practice, at least 9 out of 10 times only direct questioning reveals these problems. It is often present along with other anxiety disorder even though the literature mainly comments on its co-occurrence with OCD.
It is very treatable
For something so treatable (and relatively common) it is surprising that there are not many intervention studies. These conditions respond very well to cognitive behavioral therapies, and although useful, medication treatment has not shown robust evidence (Bloch et al., 2007; Lochner, Roos, & Stein, 2017; Rothbart et al., 2013).
