What with my bro?

Question

I recently found out (on my own, no one told me) that my bro want's to pull out his eyebrows. I don't understand, what is this about? I do know my mother is worried about it, so i don't understand. With things that concerned her she wrote next to the fact the i cut (different story though). So, apparently it is a big thing. I don't know which of my bros it is, though i suspect it is my youngest cause he is the one seeing a counselor right now and is the one w/ some big issues. He is like 8 right now. I don't understand why he would be doing this, what is the psychology backing for this, is he insecure, punishing himself, what? I do know that he has some sever phobia things (terrified of floods, earthquakes, natural disasters), he also has self confidence issues i think, and for his age he is especially whinny and very very annoying. anyways, what's w/ the eyebrow thing? Any thoughts?

Answer 1

It's called Trichotillomania, which is having a constant urge to pull out body hair, such as eyebrows, hair on the scalp, eyelashes, pubic hair etc. It's an impulse control disorder, normally starts around 8 - 13 and often presents as a response to stress. There is evidence to suggest that it is genetic and related to self-harm, which would seem likely as you mentioned that you also self-harm.

Answer 2

Aha. Trichotillomania. That's compulsion to pull out your hair (including eyebrows or whatever). It's actually classified as self-injury, like cutting. I used to be a cutter, and I know that's about controlling your envoronment. Since your brother has phobias about things out of his control (natural disasters, etc.), it's likely that it's a similar thing.
I wish you and your brother the best. There's a trick that a lot of therapists teach trichotillomaniacs and cutters-- wear a rubber band around your wrist, and snap it whenever you feel anxiety. It helps some people.

Answer 3

Some people just have the urge to pull out there hair. I remember reading a story about many years about a girl who use to pull out her hair. I don't remeber what it's called, but trying searching for it on the internet and talking about it with a doctor. Don't worry, you brother is getting help for the other things in his life, let him work out one issue at a time!