5 yr old girl pulling out her hair!

[magen7984]

has anyone experienced a child pulling out clumps of hair and also cutting it? I mean every child a least cuts there hair once but not at 5 and she pulls it out to wear she has bald spots

[kneipp22]

Sorry to hear about your little girl. I have trichotillomania which is hair pulling.Ive been doing it since the age of 9.I use to have a mass of hair and long thick eyelashes, well no more, I don't have any eyelashes left and my hair is becoming thinner and thinner every day.I'm 36 years old and I hate what I do but also love it when I 'm doing it and feel down after.I could lay or sit down and just pull for hours.I do it when I'm driving too. I wan't so much to stop but just can't.It is an anxiety thing and I hope your little girl will get over it.If you need to ask me anything please just ask.

[socgirl]

It sounds like it could be trichotillomania, which is considered an anxiety disorder.  Does she do this often?  Does it seem to be compulsive?  cutting could also be a way for her to deal with anxiety.  pulling out a strand or two of hair once in awhile is normal, but it's a problem if she's pulling out clumps of hair.  I would reccomend taking her to her pediatrician for an evaluation and he/she should be able to refer you to children's mental health clinician for further evaluation if it's warranted.  Best of luck.