Which condition is characterized by patchy hair loss with many broken hairs?

The condition characterized by patchy hair loss with many broken hairs is trichotillomania. This psychological disorder involves a compulsive urge to pull out one’s own hair, leading to noticeable hair loss, often in patches. When individuals engage in this behavior, they may also break the hairs at varying lengths, which contributes to the appearance of patchy hair loss coupled with broken strands.

In contrast, androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, typically results in a more diffuse thinning of hair rather than patchy loss. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that can cause hair to fall out in distinct patches without causing broken hairs. Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss that occurs after stress or trauma and leads to overall thinning rather than the patchy appearance seen in trichotillomania. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in recognizing the symptoms and management of each condition effectively.