Trichotillomania, which is also referred to trich or TTM, is a compulsive behavior disorder that is characterized by hair loss caused by the impulsive pulling or twisting of the hair. People with this disorder may pull out hair from the scalp, legs, chest, eyebrows or pubic area. The Trichotillomania Learning Center (TLC) estimates that approximately 2 to 4 percent of people in the United States struggle with this condition. Though there is no cure for tricotillomania, several treatment options are available to help you deal with the overwhelming urges associated with this condition.
Medication
Though there is not a specific medication intended to treat this condition, some people may find the use of certain types of medications to be helpful in controlling hair pulling impulses. Such medications are typically selective serotonin inhibitors (SSIs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which may reduce your impulse to pull out your hair. Despite the beneficial aspect of these medications, the effects experienced by this form of therapy are often short-lived. Use of these types of medications in children or adolescents is cautioned due to inconclusive results regarding the long-term effects of these medications on brain development. In certain cases, you may find it helpful to combine medication therapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
If you struggle with trichotillomania, you might benefit from taking part in CBT. Though CBT is quite complex, this type of therapy is broadly based on the belief that the structure of the brain can be altered by responding to familiar situations or emotions with newly learned thoughts and behaviors. Meeting with a psychologist on a regular basis who has been trained in CBT may help you identify what instigates episodes of hair pulling. Your CBT psychologist can work with you to help you learn new skills to manage and overcome mental patterns that lead to hair pulling. The TLC explains that successful management of your hair-pulling impulses may require you to keep a record of your episodes or utilize behavioral devices, such as putting tape on your fingers, to discourage hair pulling.
Alternative Therapies
You may find alternative therapies, such as dietary changes, yoga, meditation or herbal remedies, to be helpful in controlling your hair pulling impulses. Such treatments have not been evaluated scientifically and should be embarked upon with awareness and caution. Some people have found success by combining CBT or medication with alternative treatment therapies. It is important to research the risks and benefits of these alternative therapies and discuss any questions you may have with your doctor prior to beginning treatment.
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