How to Treat Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania, also known as Trich, is the irresistible temptation or urge to pull hair from your body, scalp, eyebrows and/or eyelashes. Scientists and doctors believe Trichotillomania is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation of the SLITRK1 gene. Hair that has been pulled out does not always grow back, so many trichotillomania sufferers are missing some or all of their hair, depending on the severity of their case.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult your general practitioner. Your doctor can determine whether you have trichotillomania and if your case is severe enough to require medical attention. For example, if you have a habit of pulling hair out of your head but do not do it compulsively, you may be able to break the habit without psychiatric help. If you have a compulsion to pull out your hair, however, your doctor most likely will recommend you to a psychologist.

• 2

  Choose the psychologist or psychological social worker that is right for you (see Resources). Your psychologist should be warm, open and understanding, and should be someone you feel comfortable talking to. Talk therapy is an important part of treating trichotillomania, but if your psychologist feels you need additional care, he may recommend you to a psychiatrist.

• 3

  Consult a psychiatrist to see if you need prescription medication. A psychiatrist can prescribe antidepressant medication like Celexa or Zoloft to help keep your compulsions at bay, but they should only be used in conjunction with talk therapy by a trained psychologist or psychological social worker.

• 4

  Participate in cognitive behavioral therapy. In cognitive behavior therapy, your psychiatrist will teach you to associate your feelings of stress and anger and use other activities to get out your emotions. Instead of hair pulling being a compulsion, cognitive behavior therapy transforms it into a choice.