Is Hair Pulling A Sign Of ADHD? Should You Be Worried?

Do you or a loved one pull hair obsessively? You might be wondering, is hair pulling a sign of ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)? 

Here’s your answer, and some important things to know about hair pulling and ADHD. Let’s start with what “hair pulling” means in this article. 

What Is Hair Pulling? 

Hair pulling here refers to trichotillomania (TTM), a mental health condition where a person feels a strong urge to pull out their own hair, often from the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes. 

It is a type of body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) and is related to obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs). 

People with trichotillomania usually feel tension before pulling their hair and relief afterward. Over time, the spots where they pulled off hair become noticeably bald and leave them emotionally distressed. 

Is Hair Pulling A Sign Of ADHD? 

Hair pulling could be a sign of ADHD if combined with other factors like:

• Impulsivity (doing things without thinking and having difficulty waiting)
• Low attention span (easily distracted and loses things often)
• Hyperactivity (constant fidgeting, tapping, or restlessness)
• Low-frustration tolerance (giving up quickly on challenging tasks)
• Sleep difficulty (trouble falling or staying asleep)

However, if a person pulls hair out of boredom and can easily stop when they want to, it’s unlikely a sign of ADHD. 

People with ADHD pull their hair for the following reasons, explaining why it may not be easy for them to “just stop.” 

Why Do People With ADHD Pull Hair? 

Imagine a soda bottle that’s been shaken. Someone with ADHD often feels like that bottle: full of pressure, thoughts racing, and no clear way to let it out.

Now, imagine that hair pulling is like cracking the cap open just a little. It’s not a perfect solution, but it releases some pressure.

When they’re bored, anxious, or restless, pulling hair gives ADHD patients quick relief or focus. It can become a habit because it soothes or stimulates their brain in a calming or satisfying way.

Read More: Sensory Issues With Hair Washing

So, it’s not about wanting to hurt themselves. For people with ADHD, hair pulling can be their brain’s way of coping with stress, overstimulation, or emotional overload. The same way someone might bite their nails or tap their foot, just more intense.

Now, let’s break this down with some specific terms: 

Low Dopamine

People with ADHD experience low levels of dopamine, the hormone responsible for feelings of pleasure and happiness. Hair pulling seems to release more dopamine, and so people with ADHD may “enjoy” doing it, even getting addicted. 

Side Effects Of ADHD Medications 

Doctors may prescribe certain stimulants to help ADHD patients. Studies show that certain stimulant medications can have adverse effects, including trichotillomania. 

Sensory Seeking

Many people with ADHD are sensory seekers; they crave tactile experiences. The physical sensation of pulling out hair can be oddly satisfying or grounding, especially during moments of sensory overload.

Emotional Regulation Struggles

People with ADHD often struggle with regulating emotions. Hair pulling may become an unconscious response to emotional discomfort, anger, or frustration, offering quick distraction from overwhelming feelings.

Helpful Extra Reading: 50 Tips For Adults With ADHD

What Else Causes Hair Pulling Aside ADHD?

Aside from ADHD, the following conditions can also cause hair pulling:

1. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

People with OCD may pull their hair as a way to neutralize obsessive thoughts. In this case, the behavior feels more compulsive and is harder to resist.

2. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

For some people, especially those with unresolved trauma, hair pulling may be a coping mechanism to self-soothe during flashbacks or heightened emotional distress.

3. Boredom or Habitual Behavior

Sometimes, hair pulling isn’t linked to any disorder at all. It can be a habit picked up during idle moments, like watching TV or studying. While it might start harmless, repeated behavior can eventually become a compulsive issue.

When Should You Be Worried About Hair Pulling?

As mentioned, hair pulling may just be a harmless habit. But you should get worried if: 

• A person has large bald spots from pulling their hair
• A person chews their hair after pulling (yes, it happens and can lead to a trichobezoar, undigested hair in the stomach). 
• A person cannot “just stop” pulling their hair. 

In such cases, expert help may be needed to stop this repetitive behavior. 

Summary 

Hair pulling can be a sign of ADHD, especially when it’s frequent, hard to stop, or causes distress. 

But it’s not exclusive to ADHD; it may also stem from OCD, PTSD, or simply boredom. 

If the behavior is frequent, hard to control, or causing emotional or physical harm, it’s more than just a habit. 

Seeking professional help can make a big difference in understanding and managing it.