Sudden change in hair habits could be sign of ADHD and shouldn't be ignored

01 September 2023 , 12:14

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Some people with ADHD also have another disorder, which has to do with hair (stock image) (Image: Getty Images/Onoky)

It is estimated that around 2.6million people. in the UK are living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is a condition that affects people's behaviour. Most cases are diagnosed when children are under the age of 12 - but some go unnoticed until they are an adult.

ADHD can cause some everyday activities to be more difficult. Children might struggle to get ready for school on time, being organised, and listening to instructions, while adults might have additional problems like coping with stress and time management. Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD are inattentiveness (difficulty concentrating and focusing) and hyperactivity and impulsiveness - but there is also more surprising, lesser-known sign of ADHD.

This sign, which is believed to be linked with ADHD, was highlighted in a recent case study - and has to do with a hair habit. A recent report found that hair pulling, known as trichotillomania, can occur in people with the behavioural disorder.

Trichotillomania, also known as trich, can cause someone to pull out their hair compulsively and it's believed there is a connection to ADHD. According to MantraCare, trich might occur at the same time as ADHD in cases where someone:

• Is a perfectionist
• Finds it very hard to complete tasks
• Finds it hard to control impulses
• Is very impulsive
• Is easily distracted
• Has difficulty focusing on one task for an extended period of time

Doctors in India recently followed the case of a 25-year-old woman with ADHD who also pulled out hair from her head. The woman would pull out hair up to 10 times a day because she felt restless. After examining her, they found she had patches of baldness over her head.

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The woman also suffered from major depressive disorder and bulimia, as well as binge-eating attacks with excessive exercise. The doctors believed that the hair-pulling stemmed from low levels of dopamine, which is a brain chemical that regulates moods and motivation. People with ADHD also suffer from low levels of the chemical.

Those who are low on the chemical, and have ADHD, will sometimes engage in behaviours which can stimulate dopamine - with repetitive behaviours such as hair-pulling. It can be a coping strategy that regulates negative emotional states, like stress. It's also believed that those with ADHD are more prone to have sensory processing issues, meaning they might feel the need to pull their hair because it feels good or helps them focus.

Trichotillomania can also be caused by other things - such as stress, anxiety, chemical imbalances, changes in hormone levels. If you are pulling your hair out, or notice that your child is, you should see a GP.

Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz