Overcoming Trichotillomania: A Case Study
July 2026
in “
UCLA Department of Medicine Clinical Insights
”
TLDR Cognitive-behavioral therapy helped a woman reduce hair-pulling and regrow hair.
A 31-year-old woman with trichotillomania, a disorder characterized by compulsive hair-pulling, sought treatment after experiencing a bald spot on her scalp due to stress-related hair-pulling. She underwent cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helped her identify triggers and develop coping strategies, leading to reduced hair-pulling and hair regrowth. Trichotillomania often coexists with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including Habit Reversal Training (HRT). This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis, patient education, and comprehensive treatment to improve self-esteem and interpersonal relationships.