Patchy hair loss due to compulsively pulling out hair is known as?

Patchy hair loss due to compulsively pulling out hair is known as trichotillomania. This condition is classified as a mental health disorder and is characterized by an overwhelming urge to pull out one's hair, leading to noticeable hair loss. Individuals with trichotillomania may pull hair from their scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other areas, resulting in patches of baldness.

Understanding that trichotillomania is categorized as a behavioral disorder helps distinguish it from other forms of hair loss. It indicates that the cause is rooted in psychological factors rather than physiological conditions, which makes it unique compared to other options. This clarity is vital for recognizing the importance of addressing both the psychological and emotional aspects when treating individuals affected by this condition.

Other choices represent different forms of hair loss or related conditions, but they do not specifically describe the compulsive behavior associated with trichotillomania. For example, alopecia is a broader term that refers to hair loss in general, such as alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune condition leading to hair loss in patches but does not involve the act of pulling hair. Thus, the selected answer accurately reflects the nature of the disorder specified in the question.