Tear your hair … Trichotilomania: causes, symptoms and methods of treatment

Krympress reports:

What is trichotilomania?

Trichotilomania is a mental disorder in which a person experiences an irresistible desire to pull out his hair on his head, face, eyebrows, eyelashes or other parts of the body. It belongs to the group of obsessive-compulsive disorders and most often develops in children’s or adolescence. This condition can lead to significant aesthetic and psychological problems, including low self -esteem and social insulation. It can occur in a mild form, when a person rarely performs acts of hair pulled out, but can also be severe, accompanied by large -scale damage to the hairline. In some cases, patients do not even realize what they do. Repeating episodes can occur unconsciously during stress, boredom or concentration in any business.

The problem of trichotyllomania is often underestimated both by the patients themselves and their relatives, which complicates the timely diagnosis. Many people who suffer from this disorder try to hide their habit, which leads to an increase in feelings of guilt and shame. However, the sooner therapy begin, the higher the chances of a positive outcome. In this case, an important role is played by A psychologist from trichotilomaniawhich will help to understand the reasons for the problem and choose effective treatment methods.

Possible causes of trichotyllomania

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of this disorder:

• Genetic predisposition — Studies show that people with trichotyllomania often have relatives with such violations.
• violation of the work of neurotransmitters — The lack of serotonin and dopamine in the brain can provoke compulsive behavior.
• stress and alarming disorders — Triggers often become emotional experiences, problems in the family or school.
• Psychological features — a tendency to perfectionism, impulsiveness, low stress resistance can be predisposing factors.

In addition, trichothylomania can be associated with children’s injuries transferred at an early age. For example, emotional or physical violence, a lack of attention from the parents can cause internal anxiety, which further transforms into obsessive actions.

Some studies show that trichothylomania can be associated with disorders of the work of cortical structures of the brain that are responsible for self -control and suppression of impulsive actions. That is why patients experience difficulties in attempts to control their behavior, even realizing his destructiveness.

Symptoms of trichotyllomania

The main manifestations of the disease include:

• Repeating hair tearing, leading to noticeable overlapping of hair.
• A feeling of tension before the act of pulling out and relief after it.
• Denial or hiding of the problem from others.
• Using various rituals — rolling hair between the fingers, their chewing or twisting.
• The presence of bald heads or rare sections of hair, eyelash and eyebrows.
• Feeling of guilt and shame associated with the inability to control behavior.

Additionally, other compulsive actions can be observed, such as biting nails, plucking the skin, constant pulling of clothing or grounding objects in the hands. Patients may feel anxiety and irritation when trying to refrain from the usual action.

In severe cases, trichothylomania can lead to trichophagia — swallowing torn hair. This condition is dangerous in that it can cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract, including the formation of trichobesoars (hair lumps) in the stomach, which requires surgical intervention.

Who is prone to trichotilomania?

Although trichothylomania is found in people of any age, the following groups are most susceptible to it:

• Children and adolescents, especially during puberty.
• Women — according to statistics, they suffer from this disorder more often than men.
• People with anxious or depressive disorders.
• Persons who have experienced severe stress or injury.

Trichotyllomania can begin in childhood and manifest itself as a way to cope with stress, anxiety or a sense of loneliness. In adolescence, it can aggravate under the influence of hormonal changes and problems with self -esteem.

Who helps in solving the problem?

For the successful treatment of trichotyllomania, an integrated approach is needed, including the help of various specialists:

• Psychologist or psychotherapist — It helps to understand the causes of the disorder and find alternative ways to reduce anxiety.
• psychiatrist — In severe cases, drug treatment can be prescribed, for example, antidepressants or mood stabilizers.
• dermatologist — Gives recommendations for skin and hair care, helps in restoring the hairline.

How is trichotyllomania therapy?

Trihilelomania treatment includes:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (KPT) — It helps to identify triggers, change behavior models and develop self -control skills.
• Empulsal Consciousness and Management Training — Teaches to switch attention to other classes.
• Drug support — In some cases, selective inhibitors of the reverse capture of serotonin (SIOS) are used.
• Physical methods — the use of special gloves, linings or protective hats to prevent an act of hair pulling out.
• family support — The creation of a favorable psychological situation helps to reduce stress and anxiety.

Why is it important to solve the problem?

Without timely treatment, trichothylomania can lead to:

• noticeable cosmetic defects, up to complete baldness.
• social isolation due to shame and problems with self-esteem.
• development of anxious and depressive disorders.

What will happen if you do not solve the problem?

Ignoring trichotyllomania can aggravate the symptoms and lead to serious consequences:

• Deterioration of the psychoemotional state, the development of chronic stress.
• Problems in personal life and professional activity due to self-doubt.
• irreversible damage to the hair follicles, which makes hair restoration impossible.

Specialists emphasize: trichotyllomania is a serious disorder that requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. The sooner therapy begins, the higher the probability of successful getting rid of the problem.

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