Exploring the lived experiences of individuals with trichotillomania: a descriptive phenomenological study

Individuals with TTM experience intense internal conflict with wide-ranging psychological and social consequences. They are trapped in this destructive behavior due to the immediate gratification derived from hair pulling and tend to conceal the disorder due to social stigma. While some individuals improve through self-regulation and coping strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and habit reversal training, others become trapped in a cycle of failure through self-sabotaging defense mechanisms. Increased public awareness, psychosocial support, and the provision of effective therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and habit reversal training, are recommended to facilitate the recovery process for these individuals.