How to Treat Hair Pulling

Trichotillomania is defined as an uncontrollable urge to pull hair from your scalp, eyebrows and other parts of your body, according to the Mayo Clinic. A person's genetic makeup and environmental surroundings can contribute to the disorder. Some unfortunate side effects to trichotillomania include: stress, social isolation, irritated skin and hairballs. If you suffer from trichotillomania, it is possible to treat the disorder in order to live a normal life.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult with your general practitioner. He will determine if you truly suffer from trichotillomania. According to the Mayo Clinic, a doctor will see how much hair you have lost, ask you to fill out a form and eliminate any other medical causes of hair loss. If he determines you have trichotillomania, he may recommend you to see a psychologist.

• 2

  Participate in cognitive behavioral therapy. A trained psychologist will help you determine the reasons for your hair pulling and suggest ways to change the behavior. He will recommend you keep track of the times of day you pull your hair and the emotional state you are in when you do it, according to the Trichotillomania Learning Center.

• 3

  Join a support group. People who suffer from trichotillomania may feel embarrassed about their situation and believe that no one knows how they feel. By joining a support group, you can meet others who suffer from trichotillomania and feel the same way you do.

• 4

  Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation. Because trichotillomania is an anxiety disorder, learning how to relax may help you resist the urge to pull your hair.

• 5

  Consult with a psychiatrist to determine if you would benefit from taking medication. An antidepressant, such as clomipramine, can control urges to pull your hair.