Trichotillomania is a hair-pulling obsessive-compulsive disorder that has also been associated with high levels of stress. Sufferers face the constant urge of pulling out the hairs from various regions of their bodies, which may include the scalp, eyebrows, and forearms. The severity of hair loss differs among sufferers, ranging from mild patches of hair loss to noticeable baldness.
Hair-pulling is often conducted in privacy and usually triggers an emotional response such as relief or gratification. Some individuals may be unaware of their hair-pulling tendencies while others engaged in focused hair-pulling to achieve a desired emotional response.
COVID’s Impact on Trichotillomania
The recent pandemic crisis has brought about major shifts throughout society, such as social-distancing and quarantine practices. Such periods of fear and uncertainty may gradually lead to elevated stress levels and a rise in trichotillomania cases. However, this may involve a small number of total cases as the condition is primarily experienced by individuals who are predisposed to obsessive-compulsive disorders.
The good news is that trichotillomania can be successfully treated through therapy and counseling sessions aimed at eliminating stress factors or in identifying healthier coping mechanisms.
Popular treatment options include group therapy, where trichotillomania sufferers may seek solidarity in sharing their concerns and recovery processes. Family-oriented therapies can help parents identify and manage trichotillomania symptoms in their children. ACT therapy is becoming increasingly popular in trichotillomania treatment. ACT remedies pathological hair-pulling by helping individuals cope better with the emotions and feelings tied to their habit.
Alternatively, sufferers may turn to activities that promote relaxation and mindfulness in distracting themselves from stressful environments. Yoga, guided meditation, gardening, and painting are some well-paced options that provide a sense of calm and collectedness.
When left untreated, trichotillomania may lead to prominent bald patches that could harm the self-confidence of individuals, which exacerbates hair-pulling habits leading to a vicious cycle. The most important thing is for sufferers to recognize the symptoms and seek prompt treatment as trichotillomania is not known to go away on its own. In most cases, sufferers are able to regrow healthy hair upon treating the underlying disorder. If hair replacement is something you want to consider, the highly experienced consultants at Genesis II will help you find the best solution for your particular situation and lifestyle. To schedule a free consultation call us at (315) 458-1074 or to contact us via email click here.
Photo Credit: KlausHausmann Via Pixabay
