Trichotillomania, also known as hair pulling disorder, is a psychological disorder, which compels a person suffering from it with an overpowering urge to pull hair from scalp. Pulling of hair is not just limited to scalp but there are cases reported where, people pull hair from their eyebrows or eyelashes also. Many studies suggest that this hair pulling disorder can begin during adolescence and can last for several weeks, months, or years depending on its severity.

Symptoms of Trichotillomania Disorder

Trichotillomania disorder comes under the umbrella of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) with extreme anxiety disorder. The symptoms commonly include:

1. Loss of hair in patches due to repeated pulling of hair
2. Extreme anxiety and stress
3. A sense of relief from stress and anxiety by pulling hair
4. A psychological feeling of irritation on the scalp, eyelashes or eyebrows, titillating a person to pull hair
5. Repeated ingestion of hair known as Trichophagia. This is most commonly associated with compulsive hair pulling. At times, a patient may eat parts of one’s own hair (such as the roots or tips) or whole strands of hair.
6. Counting hair or counting how many times the hair have been twisted

Causes of Trichotillomania

There can be various causes for Trichotillomania such as genetic history or childhood trauma. It can also be linked to other mental disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, stress, autism, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

But several studies have shown that people may suffer from Trichotillomania without having any of the above conditions. People might just begin with feeling the thickness of the hair, however feel irritated later on, and start pulling their hair to get relief from stress, boredom, and anxiety.

Treatment Plans for Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is treated primarily through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which includes habit reversal training (HRT). Further, it has five main components that help reverse the psychological elements of trichotillomania.

1. Awareness training: Awareness training allows therapists to maintain a log book of the patients noting the particular kind of emotions, situations, or number of times the patient has a strong urge to pull hair. This helps both, the therapist and the patient, to recognize the pattern of the disorder.
2. Competing response training: This training helps patients by diverting their attention towards some other habits or activities when they feel the urge to pull their hair.
3. Motivation and compliance: The activities and behaviors that individuals engage in remind them of the importance of continuing HRT including family and friends praising the progress made during treatment.
4. Relaxation techniques: Exercising, yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and exercise can help relieve anxiety that leads to trichotillomania.
5. Generalized training: Patients are trained to adopt a new behavior during a tough situation.

Apart from CBT, group therapy is also effective in treating trichotillomania. Group therapy allows patients to find social support and meet others struggling with similar symptoms.

Medication has not been that effective in treating Trichotillomania. However, people suffering from depression and anxiety can be treated with antidepressants.

Self-Coping Strategies for Trichotillomania 

Some self-coping strategies that can help people manage their struggle with trichotillomania are as follows:

• Diverting one’s attention towards healthy replacement habits
• Adopting relaxation techniques
• Maintaining a journal of their hair pulling habit and recognizing the behavioral pattern
• Seeking help from loved ones, talking to them or finding professional help to treat the disorder

When to seek professional help?

Trichotillomania can be an overwhelming mental disorder that has a huge impact on the mind. It pushes a person towards embarrassment and shame by distorting physical appearance.

However, this mental disorder has a recovery rate of 100 percent. It can easily be treated with a combination of therapies and medication. The need is to watch out for symptoms, talk to your loved ones, and reach out to your family doctor, support groups, professional counselor, or psychotherapists for assistance. They will help you to figure out the appropriate treatment plan in accordance to the severity of the disorder.

If you or your loved one is battling trichotillomania or any other mental health disorder, contact Medical Concierge Health Recovery. Call our 24/7 helpline number 877-636-0042 to gain access to details of mental health treatment centers in California. You can even chat online with one of our trained representatives to know more about residential mental health facilities in California.