Trichotillomania (TTM) is a debilitating mental disorder. Patient’s behavior is characterized
by the repetitive pulling out of own hair, resulting in hair loss and marked psychological impairment.
Patients with TTM usually show lower self-esteem, suffer from mental disorders such as anxiety and
depression, and their psychosocial function is seriously affected. However, the formation mechanism
of TTM is not clear. Researchers have explored and explained it from the aspects of genetics, biology,
trauma and personality. Relevant psychological models have been proposed to understand the occurrence
and development of TTM. Cognitive behavioral therapy such as habit reversal training, acceptance and
commitment therapy and dialectical behavior therapy are often used as psychotherapy, but there are no
first-line medications that would be generally accepted for treatment. At present, the academic circles lack
of understanding of TTM. Future research can be carried out from many aspects, such as epidemiology,
comorbid symptoms, formation mechanism, treatment and so on.