What is the name of the disorder in which a person pulls out their hair, scabs, or similar material?

• A. Anorexia
• B. Trichotillomania
• C. Hirsutism
• D. Alopecia

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is recognizing a body-focused repetitive behavior, where a person has urges to perform a self-soothing action that leads to hair loss. The correct term for pulling out one’s hair, scabs, or similar material is trichotillomania. It’s characterized by recurrent urges to pull hair resulting in hair loss and distress or impairment in daily functioning. This behavior is distinct from the other options: an eating disorder involves food and weight concerns, excessive hair growth is a different condition called hirsutism, and hair loss from other causes (alopecia) isn’t driven by a pulling habit. In trichotillomania, the pulling is the core behavior, often with a buildup of tension before pulling and a sense of relief afterward, and it can affect the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes. Treatment commonly includes behavioral therapies like habit reversal training and may involve addressing associated anxiety or OCD-like symptoms.