Trichotillomania is probably related to OCD, but is considered to be a different disorder, categorized as an "impulse control disorder." Trichotillomania can be treated with the same SSRI antidepressant medications as are used for OCD, but it is often tougher to treat than OCD, as it is a difficult disorder to get under control. 

There are behavioral treatments that are often helpful and you should not rely solely on medications. There is a good technique called habit reversal that can help Trich patients.

There is a national organization devoted to helping people with this disorder: 

Trichotillomania Learning Center, Inc.
1215 Mission Street, Suite 2
Santa Cruz, California 95060
408- 457-1004 

You can call the TLC and ask them for some information on Trich. you can also join the TLC for $35 and will get an introductory packet of information, as well as a subscription to their newsletter called "In Touch." 

Trichotillomania can manifest itself as hairpulling, eyelash pulling, eyebrow pulling, or the pulling of any hair on the body. 

There is an excellent booklet called "Trichotillomania, A Guide," put out by The Dean Foundation of Wisconsin, which is available for purchase from the Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation of New Haven, CT. You can call them at 203-401-2070. (This booklet is $5.95 for members of the OCF and $7.25 for non-members.) 

Another new and very good and up-to-date book is: 

Help for Hair Pullers: Understanding and Coping with Trichotillomania by Nancy J. Keuthen, Ph.D., Dan J. Stein, MD, and Gary A. Christenson.

 

This book can be purchased through the OCF Bookstore

The OCF also has information available on Trichotillomania.