COMPULSIVE HAIR PULLING ADDRESSED AT EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

April 1998

Media Contacts: Sarah Goodwin, 404/727-3366 - sgoodwi@emory.edu
Kathi Ovnic, 404/727-9371 - covnic@emory.edu
http://www.emory.edu/WHSC/

National experts in the compulsive disorder known as trichotillomania -- chronic hair pulling -- are convening in Atlanta on April 25 for a day-long educational symposium on this underdiagnosed and troubling disorder.

The TRICHOTILLOMANIA: TRANSFORMATION & HOPE conference is planned from 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. at the Renaissance Atlanta Hotel, 590 W. Peachtree St., N.W., Atlanta. Registration is $89 and is open to health professionals, patients and anyone else interested in this topic. Partial scholarships are available.

Call 1-800-227-1033.

Also called chronic hair pulling, trichotillomania is characterized by pulling hair from the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or other body locations. Effects range from mild hair loss to permanent baldness and scarring -- as well as shame and low self esteem that can greatly affect one's personal life and career. The disorder often strikes in early adolescence and can persist for decades. Effective treatment is available.

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