What is Trichotillomania(TTM)?
Trichotillomania is a mental
health condition in which you pull out your own hair compulsively. When it
occurs during your adolescent, teen, or adult years, it frequently has severe
negative consequences for your mental health and well-being. This
condition, however, is curable.
Trichotillomania is a mental health disorder in which a
person pulls or breaks their own hair compulsively. This condition is classified
as an obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD). When it's severe, it can have a huge impact on a
person's happiness, well-being, and overall quality of life.
The term trichotillomania is derived from three Greek
words: Tricho means "hair."Tillo means to pull. Mania is defined as
excessive behavior or activity.
TTM is classified as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but it differs from OCD in several ways.
Obsessions: Obsessions are thoughts or urge that a person cannot
control and does not want. Obsessions are invariably not present in TTM.
Feeling of accomplishment: People with TTM often
feel relief or other positive emotions when they pull out their hair. In that
sense, OCD does not involve positive feelings.
TTM is particularly prevalent in children and adolescents. In young children and
infants, it is usually a temporary concern that resolves on its own. The more
serious form usually begins between the ages of 10 and 13.
Men and women are equally affected in children. Women
outnumber men with this condition in adults by as much as 9 to 1.
TTM patients pull out their hair compulsively, usually one
strand at a time. Many people will pull their hair from the same place. People
most commonly pull hair from their scalp, eyelashes and brows, and pubic hair.
Trichotillomania's effects are also affected by the age at
which it occurs. Children frequently pull their hair in this manner, but it is
often a self-soothing behavior. This behavior is often outgrown by children and
has no long-term consequences. Adolescents, teenagers, and adults with this
condition typically have far more severe issues, teenage Counseling by best Clinical
Psychologist is of great help in identifying
the causes.
TTM patients frequently experience anxiety, embarrassment, or shame as a result of their condition.
This can have an impact on their work and social lives. Many people with this
condition do not seek treatment because they are embarrassed or ashamed of
their condition.
TTM is diagnosed through a physical exam in which your mental healthcare provider looks for visible signs
of the condition. They will also inquire about your medical history, current
circumstances, and anything else that may be related to a medical problem.
TTM is a relatively simple condition to diagnose, but
people who have it often hide it out of shame or embarrassment. This can make
it more difficult for your healthcare provider to diagnose this condition
simply by asking questions. That is why a specific type of skin test may also
be beneficial.
Treatment
The following therapies may be beneficial for
trichotillomania:
Habit Reversal Training: The primary treatment for trichotillomania is this behavior therapy. You learn to recognize situations where you're likely to pull your hair out and how to replace it with other behaviors. For example, you could clench your fists to help you resist the urge. Other therapies, in addition to habit reversal training, may be used. Decoupling is a variation of this technique that involves quickly redirecting your hand from your hair to another location.
Cognitive behavioral therapy: This therapy can assist you in identifying and examining any distorted beliefs you may have about hair pulling.
Acceptance and commitment therapy: This therapy can teach
you to accept your urges to pull your hair without acting on them.
Therapies for depression, anxiety, or substance abuse, which are frequently associated with trichotillomania, can
be an important part of treatment.
Patients with TTM who have hair loss or scarring may
require the services of certain other healthcare providers and specialists. In
some cases, a dermatologist can assist in the treatment of related skin
problems or damage. Skin grafting for impacted areas of your body may also be
performed by plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Other healthcare providers
can also provide solutions for hair regrowth; however, regrowth is not always
an option.
TTM is not something you should try to diagnose on your
own. This is due to the fact that a trained and experienced mental healthcare provider is better equipped to
determine whether you have TTM or another health condition. It's also not
something you should try to treat on your own, because both medication and
therapy methods frequently require a prescription or other input from a
healthcare provider.
The time it takes for you to feel better after taking
medication, therapy, or a combination of the two can vary greatly. Your
healthcare provider can tell you more about what you can expect during treatment
and what you can do to help yourself.
Although the Food and Drug Administration has not approved
any medications specifically for the treatment of trichotillomania, some
medications may help control certain symptoms. Discuss any medication that your
doctor or psychiatrist suggests to you. Medication benefits should always be
balanced against potential side effects. You can consult the Best
Clinical Psychologist in India at the Psychowellness Center
multi-location clinic in Dwarka, Janakpuri, Gurgram, and NOIDA in Delhi NCR to get diagnosed and
take the best therapies.
Many people with trichotillomania report feeling alone in
their hair-pulling experience. Joining a trichotillomania support group may
help you meet others who have had similar experiences and can relate to your
feelings.
Request a referral from a mental health professional or an Online Counsellor, or look for a
trichotillomania support group online.
Trichotillomania, or hair pulling, can have serious consequences for your mental health. People who have this condition frequently feel ashamed, embarrassed, or guilty about it. If you have TTM or know someone who does, keep in mind that it is a medical condition that is difficult to control or stop on your own. However, with treatment, it is possible to reduce or eliminate hair pulling. This can help you live a life in which your hair and appearance do not make you feel anxious or ashamed, allowing you to focus on the things that are most important to you.
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