Trichotillomania, the compulsive hair-pulling disorder, is not a condition that is talked of much in the public sphere. This is mainly because sufferers are embarrassed to admit to pulling their own hair out, and so many conditions go undiagnosed.
Once this hair loss condition has been diagnosed, however, it’s time to think about treatment. Even though research into trichotillomania has advanced a great deal over the last few years, there is no one definitive treatment known to ‘cure’ all sufferers.
However, there are numerous treatment offers you can try, some of which have been successful at improving the condition. These include:
• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy – This is a type of therapy that aims to change behaviour by pinpointing exactly what causes a person to pull their hair. The patient will learn new responses to identified triggers, helped by a psychologist.
• Medications – Drug therapy has not proved to be very successful for trichotillomania patients, although it does work for some. Seek advice from your doctor if you are considering medication.
• Alternative Therapies – Some people choose to try herbal remedies, yoga, dietary changes, hypnosis, meditation and prayer.
• Support Groups – As with any female hair loss condition, talking about how trichotillomania affects you with other sufferers can be really helpful.