There are many causes of hair loss; some are triggered by stress or medication. There is also a compulsive disorder called trichotillomania that is classed as one of the common causes of hair loss although it is hard to determine how prevalent the condition actually is.

Trichotillomania is the name given to compulsive hair pulling, which is often triggered by stress or depression. It is particularly common in teenagers, and can result in bald patches on the scalp, or missing eyebrow, eyelash or body hair.

Trichotillomania results in low self esteem and often sufferers find it difficult to seek help to treat such causes of hair loss. The condition is often linked with anxiety, and sufferers are often inclined to discontinue hair pulling when taken away from a stressful environment.

For more severe cases, there are treatments available to restore the hair, which should only be taken under the advice of a professional consultant.