Trichotillomania

Trilby · 05-03-2005, 01:59 PM

I'm starting this Thread because I am sick of having my name under, "What does a Hernia feel like?" and because I want to know if anyone out there knows anything about this disorder. It's chronic hair-pulling. Anyone have any experience with someone who does this, or does anyone here struggle with it? My neice, who is 13, is doing this to herself and we have tried SSRI's and other meds that are supposed to reduce OCD behavior and she does quit for awhile and then when stressed she starts at it again.

wolf · 05-04-2005, 10:57 AM

Get thee to a behavioral specialist. Meds are half the job ... the seemingly goofy strategies that will keep her from pulling her hair out (and moving onto things like cutting) are the other half.

stellamerteuil · 05-06-2005, 04:10 PM

Trichotillomania, like cutting, is one of those disorders that is very hard to treat if the patient isn't willing to change. It's part meds, part behavioral therapy. Contrary to what sufferers say, they DO have a choice in the matter of pulling out their hair, it's just extremely hard to break the habit. I suggest a serious therapy regime from a therapist who is trained in behavioral therapy. Your neice will also have to be willing to work very hard at helping herself. It's a tough battle, but it is possible to win.

staceyv · 05-09-2005, 09:35 PM

get her to a hairdresser- she needs cornrows.

wolf · 05-09-2005, 11:13 PM

That's brilliant.

No, I mean it.

I'm not making fun of you.

Catwoman · 05-10-2005, 04:22 AM

When I used to bite my nails my mum threatened me with that stuff you paint on nails that tastes like SHIT. She didn't need to carry out the threat, the thought of it was enough. Treat it as misbehaviour rather than a disorder. It puts it in perspective for her, and presents her with a simple choice rather than bottling her up with inauspicious medication and making her think she has a 'problem'.

SmurfAbuser · 05-11-2005, 12:03 PM

Wow, I'm surprised to see this subject here--you guys cover it all!

I've had this disorder since I was a teenager, and at one point in my early twenties I had almost no hair on one side of my head. I've learned a lot online, and it's not as uncommon as most people think. Of course I've been to therapists and shrinks about it, some more helpful than others. As you mentioned it's a form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and meds that target OCD can be very helpful (Prozac worked the best for me, but it depends on the individual). Behavior modification is also extremely important, but the worst part of that is finding a decent therapist. I'm almost "cured" of the problem at this point, but do on occasion findmyself tugging at my hair--usually when I'm stressed out or bored. Yes, it is VERY hard to break the habit. I feel bad for the 13 year old--if she's lost some hair I'm sure she's getting teased at school. Hopefully you guys will find something that works for her. Good luck, and don't give up!

xoxoxoBruce · 05-11-2005, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by staceyv

get her to a hairdresser- she needs cornrows.

Tough one for a girl. Boys, you can cut or shave it and not look strange but for a girl I guess cornrows would be the closest. That might lead to some social coolness that would help with anxiety too.

aside- Welcome to the Cellar, Stellamerteuil.

05-03-2005, 01:59 PM	#1
Trilby Slattern of the Swail Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 15,654	Trichotillomania I'm starting this Thread because I am sick of having my name under, "What does a Hernia feel like?" and because I want to know if anyone out there knows anything about this disorder. It's chronic hair-pulling. Anyone have any experience with someone who does this, or does anyone here struggle with it? My neice, who is 13, is doing this to herself and we have tried SSRI's and other meds that are supposed to reduce OCD behavior and she does quit for awhile and then when stressed she starts at it again. __________________ In Barrie's play and novel, the roles of fairies are brief: they are allies to the Lost Boys, the source of fairy dust and ...They are portrayed as dangerous, whimsical and extremely clever but quite hedonistic. "Shall I give you a kiss?" Peter asked and, jerking an acorn button off his coat, solemnly presented it to her. —James Barrie Wimminfolk they be tricksy. - ZenGum

05-04-2005, 10:57 AM	#2
wolf lobber of scimitars Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Phila Burbs Posts: 20,774	Get thee to a behavioral specialist. Meds are half the job ... the seemingly goofy strategies that will keep her from pulling her hair out (and moving onto things like cutting) are the other half. __________________ wolf eht htiw og "Conspiracies are the norm, not the exception." --G. Edward Griffin The Creature from Jekyll Island High Priestess of the Church of the Whale Penis

05-09-2005, 11:13 PM	#5
wolf lobber of scimitars Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Phila Burbs Posts: 20,774	That's brilliant. No, I mean it. I'm not making fun of you. __________________ wolf eht htiw og "Conspiracies are the norm, not the exception." --G. Edward Griffin The Creature from Jekyll Island High Priestess of the Church of the Whale Penis

05-10-2005, 04:22 AM	#6
Catwoman stalking a Tom Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: on the edge of the english channel Posts: 1,000	When I used to bite my nails my mum threatened me with that stuff you paint on nails that tastes like SHIT. She didn't need to carry out the threat, the thought of it was enough. Treat it as misbehaviour rather than a disorder. It puts it in perspective for her, and presents her with a simple choice rather than bottling her up with inauspicious medication and making her think she has a 'problem'. __________________ I've decided I'm not going to have a signature anymore.

05-06-2005, 04:10 PM	#3
stellamerteuil Recruit or Something Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Michigan, USA Posts: 4	Trichotillomania, like cutting, is one of those disorders that is very hard to treat if the patient isn't willing to change. It's part meds, part behavioral therapy. Contrary to what sufferers say, they DO have a choice in the matter of pulling out their hair, it's just extremely hard to break the habit. I suggest a serious therapy regime from a therapist who is trained in behavioral therapy. Your neice will also have to be willing to work very hard at helping herself. It's a tough battle, but it is possible to win.

05-09-2005, 09:35 PM	#4
staceyv Lecturer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 927	get her to a hairdresser- she needs cornrows.

05-11-2005, 12:03 PM	#7
SmurfAbuser Simulated Simulacrum Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 39	Wow, I'm surprised to see this subject here--you guys cover it all! I've had this disorder since I was a teenager, and at one point in my early twenties I had almost no hair on one side of my head. I've learned a lot online, and it's not as uncommon as most people think. Of course I've been to therapists and shrinks about it, some more helpful than others. As you mentioned it's a form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and meds that target OCD can be very helpful (Prozac worked the best for me, but it depends on the individual). Behavior modification is also extremely important, but the worst part of that is finding a decent therapist. I'm almost "cured" of the problem at this point, but do on occasion findmyself tugging at my hair--usually when I'm stressed out or bored. Yes, it is VERY hard to break the habit. I feel bad for the 13 year old--if she's lost some hair I'm sure she's getting teased at school. Hopefully you guys will find something that works for her. Good luck, and don't give up!

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