Trichotillomania
What is it?
Trichotillomania is an impulse control disorder, causing urges to pull out hair, eyelashes or eyebrows. Many people with the disorder feel unable to discuss their hair pulling. A large percentage of the population still do not understand what trichotillomania is; the difficulties which the condition presents or how best to help. Trichotillomania is not always an obvious disorder; it is often hidden. As a result, people with trichotillomania have to overcome numerous barriers to get treatment and support. Trichotillomania is an impulse-control disorder. This means it is a psychological condition where you are not able to stop yourself carrying out a particular action. You will feel an intense urge to pull your hair out and growing tension until you do. After pulling your hair out, you will feel a sense of relief. Some people see trichotillomania as a type of addiction; the more you pull your hair out, the more addicted you become to this. Impulse-control disorders are common among teenagers and young adults. It is estimated that trichotillomania can start at around the ages of 11–13, and may affect up to four people in 100. It is more common among girls.
Treatment and Help
Behavioral therapy, called habit-reversal therapy, can be effective. This involves:
- learning about the urges to pull your hair out
- learning not to act on those urges
- carrying out a different activity instead
- creating barriers so you cannot pull your hair out
Counselling to deal with underlying issues that might be preent such as anxiety or depression can also help to reduce overall stress and help control the urge to hair pull
Medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (antidepressants) can also help sufferers to regain control of thier feelings and assist with the recovery process
More Information
http://www.trichotillomania.co.uk
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/trichotillomania
http://www.trich.co.uk (support forum)
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/trichotillomania
http://www.trich.co.uk (support forum)