What to Know About Trichotillomania

Below is some information you need to know about the hair pulling disorder known as trichotillomania, or TTM for short. This disorder is unique and each person with it may or may not have the same symptoms, reactions or benefits from treatments as others with the same condition. Below is a compilation of some of the intrestesting facts about tricholtillomania and can serve as a stepping stone to learning more about this interesting condition.

Does Pulling out Hair in TTM Painful?

This is probably one of the most asked questions from people who do not have the hair pulling disorder. Different patients report different sensations when pulling their hair but the majority will tell you that it isn't painful as it would seem. In fact, many people with TTM report that when they get the urge to pull their hair and do pull it that it can be similiarized as scratching an annoying itch. Some others find it soothing and relaxing to pull their own hair.

What Causes Trichotillomania?

This is another million dollar question that numerous doctors, psychologists, scientists, and researchers have been tryin to answer for many years now. With all of the research being done they have still yet to pinpoint an exact cause of why a person pulls out their own hair. They have; however, narrowed it down to neuro-biological reasons, perhaps genetics or enviornmental causes and emotional issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression,

How is TTM Treated?

Most mental health care professionals will agree that the best initial approach to treating people who pull out their hair is a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, habit reversal therapy, and medication. The CBT will help teach the people with TTM how to overcome their urges or triggers to pull out their hair, habit reversal therapy will teach the patient other things they can do when the urge to pull hair begins, and medications will help deal with any anxieties or depression the patient may be feeling.

How Common is Hair Pulling?

Research has found that trichotillomania isn't as rare as you would think. Just because you may have never heard about it before does not make it a rare condition. In fact it is reported that 90% of those with TTM are women, children come in second place. Men do have the conditon as well but it isn't as prevalant as with women and children.

Is Pulling Out Your Hair Dangerous?

Trichotillomania can become dangerous for several different reasons. The main reason is that having bald spots on the scalp from pulling hair can be depressing because it is likely to lower the self esteem of the person pulling the hair. Another danger lurks if the hair pulling or skin picking leaves open wounds that can become infected. It is important to monitor the areas to ensure there is no open areas of skin and if so that the areas are treated as you would treat any other wound.

There is a wealth of information about trichotillomania out there whether online or in the library. Speak to your doctor to obtain any literature about the disorder as well. Knowledge truly is power and the more you know about trichotillomania the more able you will be to help yourself or a loved one who is experiencing this condition.

Sources:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001517.htm
www.ocdla.com/trichotillomania.html
http://www.trich.org/treatment/options.html
http://www.nmha.org/go/information/get-info/trichotillomania
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/trichotillomania/DS00895