Trichotillomania is a disorder that causes people to engage in extensive hair pulling, resulting in noticeable bald patches. Hair may be pulled from the scalp, beard, eyelashes, eyebrows, underarms, pubic area or any other location of body hair. Behavioral therapy, which utilizes replacement behaviors, has been shown by the Trichotillomania Learning Center to be the most successful treatment.
Identification
Symptoms of trichotillomania normally appear before the age of 17, according to the National Institute of Health's MedlinePlus. The most common symptoms include bare patches of skin in the hair or at the hairline that are uneven, constant pulling, tugging or twisting of hair, denial of hair pulling and an increased tension before the puling begins. Additionally, individuals with trichotillomania may engage in other self-injurious behaviors and may feel relief after they pull out their hair.
Effects
People who pull their hair may feel embarrassed, frustrated or even shamed about their condition. They may be nervous about what others will say and may even be very self-conscious about what it does to their appearance. This may affect their ability to socialize properly. The primary physical complications, according to MedlinePlus, occur when individuals with trichotillomania eat their hair after pulling it. This can cause intestinal blockages or lead to overall poor nutrition.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to alter the behavior of hair pulling by identifying the triggers and then teaching skills to redirect the response. The therapist will help to create an increased awareness of hair pulling. Once the awareness is developed, replacement strategies can be discussed. The Trichotillomania Learning Center indicates that some hair pullers have had success with simple behavioral changes such as changing or avoiding environmental triggers, putting bandages on their fingers to interfere with pulling or keeping records of their hair pulling.
Benefits
In utilizing therapy to help create replacement behaviors, the individual can be blocked from hair pulling. Ruth Golomb, M.Ed., LPC wrote an article for The Trichotillomania Learning Center discussing the benefits of creating associations between activities and replacement behaviors in order to maximize their effectiveness and then offering a reward at the end. By being flexible in creating replacement behaviors and a reward system while engaging in ongoing therapy, Ms. Golomb witnessed children overcoming their trichotillomania.
Considerations
While an individual may have a problem with pulling their hair that is not trichotillomania, an assessment is necessary so replacement or other such treatment can be planned accordingly. Treatment should be provided by a licensed therapist with training in cognitive behavioral therapies and preferably with experience in trichotillomania. Some individuals may also need medications to fully control this disorder. Speak with your child's physician, teacher or school counselor if you feel he may have a problem with hair pulling.
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