Speaking of Psychology Understanding trichotillomania (hair-pulling) and other body-focused repetitive behaviors, with Clare Mackay, PhD, and Suzanne Mouton-Odum, PhD
Oct 29, 2025
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Clinical Definition Centers On Impairment
- Trichotillomania and excoriation disorder are defined by unsuccessful attempts to stop and life interference, not by the specific location of hair or skin damage.
- DSM criteria focus on impairment and exclusion of dermatological causes rather than exact behavior details.
Grooming Behaviors Share A Common Root
- Nail biting, hair pulling, and skin picking are variations of the same grooming-related behaviors.
- Many BFRBs are socially normative grooming gone awry rather than wholly distinct disorders.
Personal Journey From Hiding To Research
- Clare lived with trichotillomania for decades and hid it because of intense shame.
- At around menopause she began using her neuroscience background to study and speak about BFRBs.