How is trichotillomania diagnosed?

A diagnosis of trichotillomania is made according to the following criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV):

• Repeatedly pulling out of one's hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss
• An increasing sense of tension immediately before pulling out the hair, or when attempting to resist the behaviour
• Pleasure, gratification, or relief when pulling out the hair
• The disturbance is not better accounted for by another mental disorder and is not due to a general medical condition (e.g. a dermatological condition)
• The disturbance causes clinical distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.

(November 2008)