All of us probably have pulled out a stray hair but what happens when pulling hairs becomes a regular habit and develops into trichotillomania leads to significant hair loss and is distressing both for people with the condition and their loved ones. Here’s how to get help and support.
What is Trichotillomania?
It is a medical condition and is the repetitive pulling out of hair. Usually, the hair-pulling is often accompanied by distress or functional impairment. Some people also eat their hair. Typically, trichotillomania starts in adolescence and is frightening for teenagers to experience. There is no known cause of it, and it is not caused by other medical conditions. However, with the correct help and support, people with trichotillomania can develop strategies to help them manage the condition.
How to Get Help
If you or a loved one thinks you may have trichotillomania, it is essential to get help and support. First of all, see your doctor, who can investigate the symptoms and diagnose the problem. They can also advise the best course of action for helping you recover from it, which may include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and medication,
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
One common treatment for trichotillomania is cognitive behavioral therapy. Research has consistently shown that CBT is the best way of treating trichotillomania, specifically using a technique called Habit Reversal Therapy. A psychologist will work with you or your loved one to establish the cause and trigger for trichotillomania and will then teach ways to help break a habit. For example, they will show you or our loved one’s simple ways to distract from the urges to pull hair.
Medication
Sometimes medication in combination with CBT helps people suffering from trichotillomania. For example, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a supplement that can help with the symptoms of trichotillomania. Anti-psychotic drugs have also been shown to help people cope with the disorder. Your doctor will be able to advise you on how beneficial it is to take this type of medication and the best one to suit your needs.
Be Kind to Yourself
If you are experiencing trichotillomania, it is essential that you try to be kind to yourself. Take some time to do something you enjoy, or focus on covering those bald patches with a hairpiece or scarf. By starting to look after yourself, you will begin to lose the impulse to pull hair.
If you are struggling with the symptoms of trichotillomania, take some time out of your day and contact Genesis II so we can help you. We have a lot of resources and will be able to advise you on the next steps in your care.
Photo Credit: Engin_Akyurt Via Pixabay
