I Have Trichotillomania. How Can I Stop Hair Pulling?
Question by C.L.D……that’s me: I have trichotillomania. How can I stop hair pulling?
Best answer:
Answer by Mags
Trich is called an OCD or an impulse control disorder and is very difficult to cure, There appear to be two categories: automatic (pulling but unaware) and focused. Children are usually categorized as unfocused, subconscious or automatic and might not even remember the act. But teens and adults are very aware of the feedback they get through this act despite their feelings about the bald patches, the lack of eyelashes of eyebrows.
Trichotillomania is also associated with low self esteem and I happen to think that it is very important to address this issue in focused forms of the condition. Feelings of low self esteem are further reinforced when people tell you to just stop. Not going to happen that way. And even if it did, you would find another way to find the gratification found in pulling.
Therapy is the most common form of treatment with mixed success. Since sedentary activities lend themselves to hair pulling, it is important to look at your daily routine so that you can find ways to make adjustments which might prevent you the idle time to pull.
Behavior modification has some success while Habit Reversal Training seems to be most effective in treating trich. Finding an experienced therapist is very important.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/trichotillomania/DS00895/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
There are some antidepressants which might be of use. According to one report, clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant has demonstrated some success. But never medication without therapy.
http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/trichotillomania-hair-pulling-disorder/2010/12/27/id/381165
Because there may be a brain imbalance of serotonin (5-HTP) and dopamine, N-acetyl_L-cysteine (NAC) is sometimes used in treatment. Low serotonin levels are present in depression while higher levels can be seen in stress.
http://www.hairscientists.org/trichotillomania.htm
http://www.raysahelian.com/trichotillomania.html
In 2006 a study was published which indicated that some cases of Trich might also be associated with a mutation of the SLITRK1 gene.
http://www.dukehealth.org/health_library/news/9887
Another implication has been found in SAPAP3 missense variants, again in a limited number of cases.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21295225
Please get professional help from a psychiatrist who can also write prescriptions and is also willing to discuss use of nutritional supplements.
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