Definition:
Trichotillomania is characterized by a strong desire to pull or pluck one’s hair. Individuals with TTM experience an uncontrollable urge to pull their hair and, in some cases, eat it.
Brief History:
The term Trichotillomania was actually coined by a dermatologist named Hallopeau. During the early part of the 20th century, two surgeons found increased cases of trichobezoar (chunks of undigested hair in the stomach). After operating few patients, they bought their attention to the similar habit of pulling hair in all the patients they operated on. OCD conclusions were made when patients responded to treatment of TTM similar to OCD.
Features of Trichotillomania
- Onset is usually during childhood with girls to boys ratio of 9:1.
- Noticeble hairloss not due to any other hairfall category.
- Hair pulling can be from any part of body. But usally from scalp and facial hair.
- Using hand or twiches to pull.
- After pulling, mouthing the hair and even swallowing it.
- Biting hair if the hair is long enough to reach mouth.
- Triggered duing both stress and boredom.
Treatment of Trichotillomania
Psychoeducation is the key in treating Trichotillomania. As TTM is OCDRD, an understanding of patient suffering and a collaborative approach are needed. Medications are usually prescribed for aggressive TTM.
Psychotherapy:
Habit reversal therapy, a profound cognitive behavior technique, is used to treat Trichotillomania. Techniques such as stimulus-control thought control and fist-clenching are used.
Dialectical behavior therapy, Commitment therapy are used to prevent relapse.