Trichotillomania Definition and Treatment

trichotillomania definition

Trichotillomania is a condition in which a person ingests hair. The frequency and severity of this behavior are usually unknown, and the cause remains unclear. Trichotillomania is an impulse disorder, similar to OCD. Trichotillomania sufferers must undergo an extensive physical examination to determine if the disorder is present. Approximately 5%20% of sufferers admit to ingesting hair.

Trichotillomania affects both men and women, though women are more susceptible to it. Because men often hide the condition, they may seek treatment less frequently than women. Trichotillomania often first manifests during adolescence, but it can affect any age. Children and adolescents are seven times more likely to suffer from the disorder than adults. Fortunately, there are treatment options available to cure the disorder.

Treatment for Trichotillomania may involve a variety of therapy techniques. Behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and habit reversal training are two examples of such therapies. The most successful forms of treatment involve reversing the connection between thoughts and behavior. The latter is a particularly good treatment option for trichotillomania. The aim of therapy is to decrease the intensity and frequency of hair pulling. The aim is to improve the patient’s quality of life through effective treatment.

Trichotillomania patients often conceal their bald patches and hair loss by wearing scarves, wigs, and make-up. In extreme cases, they may even hide their bald patches with tattoos and clothing. The resulting damage to their hair and skin may even lead to social alienation. A person with this disorder may even experience physical ailments that lead to their death. If treatment is not available, the disease can lead to social alienation and social isolation.

Trichotillomania is most common in young adults and preadolescents, peaking at twelve to thirteen years of age. Hair pulling may occur in infants, but is typically resolved during the early stages of development. The condition is common amongst both genders, though it is more prevalent in women. It is best to seek medical treatment for trichotillomania as early as possible, as it can improve the quality of life for sufferers.

As with many mental illnesses, trichotillomania can be managed with medication and therapy. A therapist may prescribe a medication to control the urge to pull hair, or a therapy program to address stress. Despite the strong urge to pull hair, the patient is able to control the urge through other methods, such as stress management and relaxation exercises. Taking action can help to reduce hair pulling and even lead to improved self-esteem.

The symptoms of trichotillomania include persistent itchiness and excessive hair loss. The hair pulling may be uncontrollable and may lead to embarrassment or disfigurement. It is also closely related to obsessive-compulsive disorders, such as compulsive gambling. If left untreated, trichotillomania can cause bald patches and permanent damage. A therapist with experience treating this condition can help individuals overcome the stress that comes with the disorder.

Psychiatrists believe that trichology is a genetic condition, and that people with the disorder have more genetic predispositions to develop the behavior. However, studies do not have a conclusive answer as to what causes it or how it can be prevented. But it does seem clear that a psychoanalytic model suggests that trichotillomania arises in a person who has unresolved childhood conflict.

A trichotillomania diagnosis is usually based on an interview, hair follicle biopsy, and histology of skin and hair follicles. Although there is some debate about whether the latter two criteria are sufficient for the diagnosis, these are the most reliable criteria. In addition to the follicles, the disease is also often accompanied by trichomalacia, which is a common symptom of the disorder.

The word trichotillomania has many nuances. It is often abbreviated as trich or trichomania. In French, trichotillomania means “itching” or “scratching” and is a synonym for trich. While these words are simply terms for hair pulling, they have deeper meanings. For example, trichotillomania can be classified as an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Although there are no specific medications approved for trichotillomania, certain psychotropic drugs can be used. One example is clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant. It has been studied in clinical trials and has shown some efficacy. However, some people who take these drugs should consult a therapist with experience in treating this disorder. Drug therapies are not a cure for trichotillomania.