Serving the community since 1999

Specializing in OCD and related conditions

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Specializing in the Treatment of OCD,
Trichotillomania and Related Conditions

 

Trichotillomania / Compulsive Hair Pulling Test

Trichotillomania is the repetitive pulling out of one’s own hair to the extent of causing damage. The OCD Center of Los Angeles offers this free and confidential test to help you get a better idea of whether or not you are exhibiting signs of Trichotillomania. Simply check those items that apply to you, and email the test to us using the simple form below. While this Trichotillomania test is not meant to replace a thorough evaluation, it may help in identifying traits of Trichotillomania.


1.  I pull out hair on my head.


2.  I pull out my eyelashes and/or eyebrows.


3.  I pull out hair on my arms and/or legs.


4.  I pull out my pubic hair.


5.  I pull out hair elsewhere on my body.


6.  I sometimes use specific implements (tweezers, hair removal devices, etc.) to pull the hair out.


7.  I sometimes eat the hair that I pull out.


8.  I sometimes pull my hair out when I am anxious or depressed.


9.  I sometimes pull my hair out when I am bored.


10.  I sometimes pull my hair out when I am engaged in other activities (i.e., watching TV, talking on the phone, using the computer, at a movie theatre, during class, while driving).


11.  I am often not aware that I am pulling my hair out, and only realize it after some time has passed.


12. I have noticeable bald or thinning spots where I pull my hair.


13. I sometimes use hats, make-up, and/or clothing to camouflage my hair loss.


14.  I sometimes avoid going out because I am embarrassed or ashamed about my hair.


15.  I often pull in the morning before work/school.


16.   I often pull at night before bed.


17.  Prior to, or during a hair pulling episode, I often feel a sense of tension, itching, tingling, or pressure.


18.  I often feel powerless to resist the urge to pull my hair out.


19.  I often get a sense of relief, gratification, and/or pleasure when I pull my hair out.


20.  I also pick at my skin to the point of causing damage to my skin.


21.  I also do other self-damaging behaviors (i.e., cutting, burning, head banging).


22.  I am significantly distressed, anxious, and/or depressed about my hair pulling.


23.  My hair pulling is interfering with my relationships and/or with my academic or professional functioning.


24. I spend  hours per day day pulling my hair.


25.The following are the areas of my body from which I most frequently pull my hair:



*Country

Please note: By sending this email, you are agreeing to be contacted by the OCD Center of Los Angeles. We respect your privacy and confidentiality and we will never share, sell, rent, loan, or give away your name, email address, or any other personal information to anyone.

If you would like more information about Trichotillomania, or would like to discuss individual therapy, group therapy, online therapy, or intensive treatment at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, you can call us at (310) 824-5200, or click here to email us.


This questionnaire was developed partly on the basis of clinical experience of staff therapists at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, and partly as an adaptation of various pre-existing psychometric measures, including the Trichotillomania questionnaire in Help For Hair Pullers by Nancy Keuthen. Please note that the above test is not meant to replace a complete and thorough evaluation by a licensed Cognitive-Behavioral therapist or other qualified mental health professional. Some people may benefit from medication, and may therefore benefit from a psychiatric evaluation. Likewise, a psychiatric assessment may be necessary to differentiate between Trichotillomania and other psychological conditions. If an evaluation is indicated, the OCD Center of Los Angeles can refer you to a qualified psychiatrist in our area. Furthermore, it is imperative to make the distinction between Trichotillomania and other medical conditions. For this reason, a medical examination may be a necessary part of Trichotillomania treatment.

    

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