Trichotillomania

This code represents a mental health condition characterized by recurrent, irresistible urges to pull out one's own hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss. Individuals with this disorder experience increasing tension before pulling and a sense of relief or gratification afterward. The hair pulling is not attributable to another medical condition or mental disorder.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of trichotillomania, often presenting with significant hair loss from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body areas. This diagnosis is typically made by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional based on clinical criteria. Supporting documentation should detail the repetitive hair pulling behavior and associated distress or functional impairment.

• Differentiate from other causes of hair loss; the key is the compulsive pulling behavior.
• Review documentation for the specific body site of hair pulling, though this code does not differentiate by site.
• Be mindful of the Excludes2 note for F98.4 (other stereotyped movement disorder) to ensure accurate coding when multiple conditions are present.