Trichotillomania Treatment and the Disorder That Feed It
Trichotillomania is a psychological condition that makes people focus obsessively on things they should not be focusing on. It is generally associated with body hair and is difficult to distinguish from a normal habit. It is known as a disorder of the mind.
Common symptoms of trichotillomania include the incessant grooming of body hairs and picking at small wounds, particularly on the face. Excessive grooming of body hairs may cause excessive hair growth, which is what is commonly misdiagnosed as trichotillomania.
In addition, trichotillomania is also characterized by lack of facial expression, noticeable panting, and vocalization. Some people suffer from scratching or biting of the scalp. People who may be concerned that they are suffering from trichotillomania should visit their physician to obtain a proper diagnosis.
There are many different types of behavioral therapies used to treat trichotillomania. The most successful treatment is behavioral therapy.
Some types of behavioral therapy used to help people with trichotillomania include exposure therapy. This type of therapy requires patients to go through situations or places where they are distressed in a controlled manner. Many individuals who have trouble controlling their condition use props such as a stuffed animal or a piece of fabric to help them endure the stressful situation.
In addition to behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy is another effective treatment for trichotillomania. In this type of therapy, a hypnotherapist directs the person to use certain words or phrases to describe a range of emotions that trigger feelings of fear or anxiety. For example, a person could be directed to use words such as “worried,” “calm,” “doubt,” “lose,” or “disgust.”
Some individuals who are able to control their trichotillomania with behavioral therapy, use an exposure process that involves an actual role play. The patient must respond to a specific stimulus. In this way, the patient is actually practicing a defense mechanism against anxiety and fear, making it easier to control them as a result.
Another form of behavioral therapy that is used to treat trichotillomania is cognitive behavioral therapy. This form of therapy combines several techniques to reduce the negative effect of trichotillomania on the sufferer. Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to identify what may be triggering the obsession and teaches the person how to identify triggers in situations so they can avoid them.
One technique that is used to reduce stress associated with trichotillomania is meditation. This technique helps to reduce the individual’s emotional response to the situations that trigger him or her to over-grooming. Other techniques in cognitive behavioral therapy aim to teach the person to stay away from triggers, such as blinking of the eyes or lifting of the eyebrows.
Additionally, many individuals who have trichotillomania find that hypnosis is helpful in treating them. Hypnosis helps the individual to relax and focuses his or her attention away from the triggers. Hypnosis can also be useful in teaching the individual to be more aware of triggers that might help him or her overcome the condition.
In addition to behavioral therapy, prescription medications can be helpful. Certain antidepressants have been shown to be helpful in combating this condition. Furthermore, antidepressants are often combined with behavioral therapy and other types of therapy.
No two cases of trichotillomania are alike, but there are many different types of treatments for this condition. Using the information found here, you can learn what is known about this condition. In addition, you can learn about the different treatments used to treat it and discover more about the underlying condition and what your treatment options are.