How does a person get diagnosed for trichotillomania and the disorder last throughout lifetime?
Trichotillomania is diagnosed when a person meets the following criteria:
- Recurrent pulling out of one's hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss.
- Repeated attempts to decrease or stop hair pulling.
- Clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
- The hair loss is not caused by another medical condition (e.g., skin disease, alopecia areata) or by a medication.
Trichomaniac Disorder Lifetime
The course of trichotillomania is variable, but it often persists for many years. In some cases, it can last throughout a person's lifetime. Treatment for trichotillomania is available and can help to reduce the symptoms and improve quality of life.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the persistence of trichotillomania. These include:
- Genetic factors: Trichotillomania appears to be more common in people who have a family history of the disorder.
- Psychological factors: People with trichotillomania often have difficulty managing stress and anxiety. They may also have low self-esteem and perfectionism.
- Environmental factors: Certain environmental factors, such as abuse or neglect, can also contribute to the development of trichotillomania.
Treatment for trichotillomania is available and can help to reduce symptoms
Treatment for trichotillomania typically includes a combination of therapy, medication, and self-care strategies. Therapy can help people to learn how to manage stress and anxiety, build self-esteem, and develop coping skills. Medication can also be helpful in reducing the urge to pull hair. Self-care strategies include wearing hats or scarves to cover bald spots, avoiding mirrors, and keeping busy with activities that help to distract from the urge to pull hair.