Trichotillomania is a type of body-focused repetitive behavior that causes you to pull out your hair. This happens on the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, and pubic area. It can cause severe psychological and physical problems.
The primary treatment for trichotillomania is psychotherapy with habit reversal training and cognitive behavioral therapy. Other treatments include medication and support groups.
Medications
Symptoms of the impulse control disorder trichotillomania can be alleviated with the right therapy. Behavioral therapies such as habit reversal training can help to break the bond between the urge and the hair-pulling behavior. Other psychotherapies, such as ACT and CBT, can also be beneficial to individuals with trichotillomania. Priory offers highly specialized trichotillomania treatment within our nationwide network of well-being centers and hospitals.
Medications are another type of trichotillomania therapy that can be used to treat the condition. These medications, such as the memantine, modulate glutamate in the brain. Studies have shown that it can help reduce impulsive behaviors such as trichotillomania and skin-picking disorder. It is recommended that you consult a doctor before using any alternative or holistic therapies, as they could interfere with your medication. They may also make your symptoms worse. It is also vital that you educate those around you on what trichotillomania is so that they can be more supportive.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Many of the same types of talking therapy that are effective for OCD, skin picking, and other mental disorders have also been proven to work for trichotillomania. One of the most effective techniques is habit reversal training, which works by helping you recognize situations that trigger your hair-pulling and practice replacing it with other less harmful behaviors, such as clenching your fists.
In addition to recognizing the triggers, CBT helps you learn that trichotillomania is not your fault and that it is not a sign of weakness or failure. Many people who suffer from trichotillomania find that the more they learn to deal with it, the better their quality of life becomes.
People with trichotillomania often feel embarrassed by their condition and may try to hide the problem by wearing hats, using makeup, or trying to cover bald spots with wigs. Sometimes, they even avoid social or occupational activities, fearing others will notice the bald patches or pulled-out hair clumps.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is a behavioral therapy that uses mindfulness and commitment processes to increase psychological flexibility. The goal is to be present with the complicated feelings and choose actions that align with your values.
Therapists use metaphors and stories to teach clients to relate to their experiences more flexibly. Unlike CBT, ACT avoids the temptation to undermine literality in the name of understanding by encouraging a more conscious and present approach to your inner world.
This method is especially effective for people who feel embarrassed by their hair-pulling behavior or have trouble conversing with others. It encourages person-first language, which empowers you to say, “I have trichotillomania,” rather than, “My trichotillomania controls me.”
Your therapist will begin your treatment with an assessment. You will be asked questions about your goals and values. Your therapist will then work with you to set treatment goals. Those goals include being more mindful, increasing psychological flexibility, and learning to cope with painful emotions without avoiding them.
Family Therapy
Trichotillomania often co-occurs with other mental health disorders. In these cases, treatment will also address the underlying cause. Medications that reduce depression, anxiety, and stress have shown some effectiveness for those with trichotillomania. SSRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants are helpful.
A good prognosis for trichotillomania treatment is associated with early intervention. In some cases, it is necessary to involve family members in a therapy session with the index patient. However, therapists must be wary of countertransference and avoid taking sides.
A family therapist can help educate a person’s family on the condition and how to recognize and cope with the triggers of hair pulling. They can also recommend other cognitive behavioral therapy techniques like habit reversal training and stimulus control. They can also suggest that a person with trichotillomania attend a support group. These groups can be a great source of comfort and understanding. A trichotillomania support group can be found online or locally.
*This is a collaboration post
