The obsessive urge to pull hair is called trichotillomania. Trichotillomania is a psychiatric impulse control disorder, which sometimes co-occurs with obsessive compulsive disorder or body dysmorphic disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, trichotillomania is linked to a mutation in the SLITRK 1 gene. The exact cause of trichotillomania is unknown. Genetic factors, hormones and stress are all possible causes of the condition. According to Mental Health America, it is likely that a combination of all three factors (genetics, hormones and stress) is responsible for trichotillomania. The most effective known medical treatment for trichotillomaina is a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication. You may also find that certain lifestyle changes to reduce stress and distract you from hair pulling may help you to reduce hair pulling frequency.
Step 1
Talk to your psychiatrist about taking medications for trichotillomania. Medications prescribed for depression and obsessive compulsive disorder are commonly prescribed for trichotillomania.
Step 2
Undergo cognitive behavioral therapy treatment with a psychiatrist or psychologist. Cognitive behavioral therapy for trichotillomania is a therapy method that increases your awareness of your hair pulling and gives you the emotional tools to respond to the urge to pull hair with alternate and less harmful habits.
Step 3
Wear a hat on your head during your waking hours to deter hair pulling. The hat serves as a reminder to yourself to stop pulling your hair. When you reach up to your head out of habit, you will touch your hat instead of your head, which will remind you to stop pulling your hair.
Step 4
Wear mittens when you are at home to prevent hair pulling. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to pull your hair while wearing mittens.
Step 5
Keep your hands busy with other activities. Try crocheting, knitting, playing with a ball, or any other activity that keeps your hands away from your head.
Step 6
Find a person you trust to serve as a support person for you. The support person can be a close friend, family member or another person that you trust. Talk to your support person when you are feeling stressed over your hair pulling. Sometimes having a person to talk to helps reduce stress. Stress tends to increase the frequency of hair pulling.
Step 7
Ask the people who you live with and spend time with to remind you to stop pulling your hair whenever they notice you doing it.
Things You'll Need
- Hat
- Mittens
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