Treatments for trichotillomania — form of obsessive-compulsive disorder involving the uncontrollable urge to pull one’s hair — range from health food supplements to cognitive behavioral therapy (psychotherapy). The following definition of trichotillomania includes the latest research on treatments and possible cures.
What is Trichotillomania?
People with trichotillomania compulsively or habitually pull their hair to the point of noticeable loss. It’s more common for women (as are some other mental health issues, such as depression), but men can also be affected. Pulling can occur anywhere on the body. Some psychologists believe 2 to 4 percent of the general population is affected by trichotillomania on some level.
"Trichotillomania is compulsive in the sense that people can't control it. People feel unable to stop the behavior even though they know it is causing negative consequences," said Jon Grant, M.D., J.D., a University of Minnesota associate professor of psychiatry and principal investigator of the study mentioned below. "Some people don't even know they are doing it."
What Causes Trichotillomania?
Research has revealed that a specific mutation in a gene can trigger this form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. In fact, this particular genetic mutation is related to Tourette syndrome as well.
Abnormalities in the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine may be related to trichotillomania. These chemicals are linked to other mental health issues, such as depression or other obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Psychological Treatments
Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches compulsive hair pullers to become aware of when and why they are pulling, and helps them reverse the habit. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is effective for a broad range of psychological disorders.
“You also learn what emotions and triggers are involved in hair pulling and how to substitute other behaviors instead,” say the experts at the Mayo Clinic. “Sometimes elements of other therapies may be blended with cognitive behavioral therapy. For instance, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helps people learn to accept their hair-pulling urges while at the same time teaching them how to avoid acting on their impulses.”
Antidepressant Medications
Some psychiatrists and medical doctors prescribe antidepressants to treat trichotillomania. But, many antidepressants have negative side effects; in some cases, the medication may cause more problems than it solves!
Some people struggling with compulsive hair pulling may respond well to a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants, depending on their genetics, personality, and lifestyle.
Food Supplements and Alternative Health Treatments
New research shows that an ingredient in a health food supplement may help treat trichotillomania. More specifically, a common antioxidant called N-Acetylcysteine may help stop the urge to compulsively pull one’s hair.
In the study, patients on this health food supplement had significantly reduced hair pulling. By the end of the 12 week study, 56 percent reported feeling much improved or very much improved, while only 16 percent on the placebo reported less hair pulling.
"These are people who have tried all kinds of things that have never worked," said Dr. Grant. "The reality is that if you pull hair and it is on a noticeable part of the body, people are really disabled by this. It's not easy to go out in public if people are noticing your bald spots. Self-esteem is a huge problem. This supplement may offer hope."
To learn more about treatments for mental health issues, read Help for Psychological Disorders.
For more information about obsesseive compulsive disorders, read Obsessive Compulsive Disorders.
Sources:
Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder). Mayo Clinic.
Health Food Supplement May Curb Compulsive Hair Pulling. University of Minnesota Medical School.
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger in Vancouver, BC, and the creator of the Quips and Tips blog series.
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