Body focused repetitive behaviors manifest in a variety of ways. These behaviors can stem from anxiety, feelings of tension relief, stress, family genetics, or other disorders that may be related such as obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety disorder, or depression. Trichotillomania stems from this. If you think you are experiencing trichotillomania, you should consult a physician to discuss the probable causes, treatment options, and long-term effects.
Trichotillomania Explained
According to Mayo Clinic “Trichotillomania (trik-o-til-o-MAY-nee-uh), also called hair-pulling disorder, is a mental disorder that involves recurrent, irresistible urges to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows or other areas of your body, despite trying to stop.”
Trichotillomania often called “Trich” can be a conscious behavior or an automatic behavior (unconscious). Some people may pull because of various stressful situations at home, work, or in social settings. Others may unconsciously pull while watching television, scratching their scalp, or be triggered by every day activities like putting on a cap or pulling up a hoodie. As discussed earlier, there are variety of reasons for Trichotillomania.
Obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety/depression, family genetics, and stress are very common. Trichotillomania normally starts in teenagers between the ages of 10 and 13 and is a lifelong struggle. This means it may not go away.
At Custom Design Hair, we are sensitive and sympathetic to those facing this battle. We have options available to help with intervention therapy.
Treatment Options
Treatments for Trichotillomania are psychotherapy, interruption therapy, and medications. It is suggested that you check with your physician to find out which methods might be best for you.
Psychotherapy would include finding a therapist to talk to and discuss your stresses and other possible disorders and learn coping skills. Medications can be anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, and anti-psychotics.
Custom Design Hair can help you with interruption therapy. We offer hair prothesis, also known as hair restoration systems for men and women. Hair prothesis can help cover hair loss and make it difficult for you to reach your bio hair.
This interrupts the feeling of satisfaction of pulling/tugging on your hair, as well as preserving your own hair, allowing it to grow back. This can be an intermittent process. There may be times when you need to wear the hair prosthesis and there may be times when you can go without. Interruption therapy is not a cure. However, for those trying to cover their trichotillomania and the struggles related to it, it is a very nice option to have. We would love to help you in your journey. If you’re seeking treatment options for Trichotillomania or are struggling with hair loss, we invite you to take our hair loss quiz or schedule a complimentary one-hour consultation.
