Trichotillomania may occur in both adults and children, i.e. it is not age-dependent. 70 - 90 % of patients are women. The age at which trichotillomania can break out varies greatly, with cases known of it affecting children of 2 or even under, or adults over 60. The basic pattern of hair loss in those suffering from trichotillomania can be very similar to that of alopecia areata. However when suffering from trichotillomania many more broken off hairs are visible. Such a symptom does not occur with
alopecia areata.