Today we are going to touch on a condition that falls into our Type of business that most people have never heard of its called Trichotillomania.
What is Trichotillomania:
A: Trichotillomania, also known as a hair-pulling disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by the recurrent urge to pull out one’s hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss. This disorder is classified as an impulse control disorder and is often chronic. In some cases, in HairOptions experience it affects more women than men.
Q: What causes trichotillomania?
A: The exact cause of trichotillomania is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Some theories suggest that it may be related to imbalances in brain chemicals, such as serotonin, dopamine, or glutamate, which play a role in mood regulation and impulse control. It also seems to affect people that are very tactile and require touch and feeling to get a sense of their environment. It also shows up in people with ADHD that don’t have the necessary movement they require to function when doing stressful tasks.
Q: What are the symptoms of trichotillomania?
A: The main symptom of trichotillomania is the recurrent pulling out of one’s hair, which leads to hair loss and may result in noticeable bald patches. People with trichotillomania often experience tension or an increasing sense of tension before pulling their hair and a sense of relief or gratification afterwards. They may also exhibit rituals or behaviours associated with hair pulling, such as examining the hair root, pulling hair in the pubic area or chewing on the hair bulb.
Q: How is trichotillomania diagnosed?
A: Trichotillomania is typically diagnosed based on the presence of specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). These criteria include recurrent hair pulling, repeated attempts to stop or reduce hair pulling, significant distress or impairment caused by the behaviour, and not being attributed to any other medical condition.
Q: How can trichotillomania be treated?
A: Trichotillomania can be challenging to treat, but several approaches have shown effectiveness in managing the symptoms. Treatment options include:
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT is a commonly used therapy for trichotillomania. It focuses on identifying and modifying the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours associated with hair pulling. Techniques such as habit reversal training and stimulus control help individuals gain control over the urge to pull their hair.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT is another therapeutic approach that helps individuals accept their urges and develop strategies to live a fulfilling life despite the presence of those urges. It emphasizes mindfulness and values-based actions.
- Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage the symptoms of trichotillomania. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine or sertraline, are commonly prescribed to reduce the urges and symptoms associated with the disorder.
- Support groups: Joining support groups or seeking peer support can be beneficial for individuals with trichotillomania.
- Making use of a company like HairOptions that specialise in all forms of hair replacement techniques, and interacting with others who understand the challenges can provide a sense of community and encouragement.
- Habit reversal strategies: These techniques involve developing alternative behaviours to replace hair pulling, such as squishy toys or stress balls or engaging in activities that keep the hands occupied during stressful times like exams or work environments. At HairOptions we have human hair attached to fine mesh that can be given to individuals in small tuck-away sections that one can pull on during these episodes, this has worked for many of our clients with this compulsive behaviour.
In Conclusion, it’s important to consult with people that deal with hair loss conditions like HairOptions or a mental health professional, Physician or GP. However many do not understand the condition as they may have only read about the condition in books It’s best to ask your treatment specialist if they have treated people with this condition and what the outcome was. In most cases, we need to understand the trigger for your pulling your hair to better determine the most appropriate treatment approach for you as an individual.
