Are You Losing Your Hair to Trichotillomania?
When you think of hair loss, you probably envision some mysterious ailment that causes hair to fall out on its own volition. The truth, however, is that some hair loss sufferers are actually pulling their own hair out by the roots, often without even any realization that they’re doing it. This problem is known as trichotillomania, and it afflicts millions of people in the U.S. alone. If you’re one of those unhappy individuals, here’s an overview of what this disorder is all about — and what you can to do safeguard your hair against it.
How it Manifests Itself
Trichotillomania belongs to a class of behavioral disorders called body-focused repetitive behaviors, or BFRBs. (Other examples include skin-picking and related forms of compulsive grooming.) Sufferers may consciously or unconsciously pluck individual hairs out of their heads, a sensation that gives them a feeling of satisfaction or relief from pent-up anxiety. Some people practice trichotillomania at random intervals, while others adopt it into a routine centered around a particular situation, environment or time of day.
Why Trichotillomania Occurs
Trichotillomania can develop for a variety of reasons, with each sufferer responding to a particular psychological trigger — usually some form of stress or boredom. Sufferers may become obsessed with the notion of keeping an area of skin smooth and hairless, even if it results in an unsightly bald patch. Others pull their hair out without even thinking about it. Some sufferers end up chewing or swallowing the hair, which can result in the expected digestive problems (including hairballs).
Trichotillomania may have a genetic component that makes some individuals more susceptible to it. Researchers believe that mutations in a specific gene may predispose a small percentage of trichotillomania sufferers to the disorder.
Available Treatment and Preventative Options
Fortunately, trichotillomania can respond to the appropriate mix of treatments. For many patients, this may include medications used to help control anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorders. Cognitive or behavioral therapy may also help you break a trichotillomania habit. Once you stop the behavior, your hair should grow back to its former fullness. Contact Genesis II by calling (315) 458-1074 or click here to learn more and ask for hair restoration advice!
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