What Causes Trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania is a condition often associated with emotional disturbances such as stress, anxiety, depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder. People with this disorder have difficulty controlling the urge to pluck their hair, and this behaviour is intended to relax them or reduce emotional tension. However, this habit can become an obsession over time. Trichotillomania is also thought to be linked to other triggers, such as genetic factors, environmental factors or childhood trauma. Chemical imbalances in the brain, particularly the role of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, may be involved in the development of this disorder.
What are the Symptoms of Trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder in which people cannot resist the urge to pull and pluck body hair. This is often linked to stress, anxiety or other emotional disturbances. Symptoms of trichotillomania include:
- The involuntary urge to pull and pluck hair, eyebrows, eyelashes or other hairs on one's own body.
- Attempts to stop the hair or feather plucking behaviour, but failing.
- Experiencing a feeling of relaxation or peace after plucking hair.
- Negative effects of this behaviour on social, school or work life.
- Recognising and concentrating on balding areas.
- Spending time focusing on the target, sometimes trying to hide this behaviour.
Who Suffers from Trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania is a disorder that is often associated with psychological conditions such as stress, anxiety and depression. This condition is characterised by the desire to pluck the hair and often begins in adolescents. It is more common in women than in men. Also, people with a family history of trichotillomania are more likely to develop the condition. Although this disorder aims to provide emotional relief, it can have serious psychological and physical effects in the long term. It can be treated with therapeutic interventions.
How is trichotillomania treated?
Treatment for trichotillomania can involve a variety of methods to control an individual's habit of constantly pulling their hair or other parts of their body. The first step is to recognise that this is a mental health problem and to seek professional support. Behavioural therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), is commonly used to treat trichotillomania and helps the person to recognise the hair pulling behaviour and replace it with healthy habits. In some cases, medication may also be recommended. These medications can often be antidepressants that help manage anxiety, depression or compulsive behaviour. The treatment process should be individually planned and carried out with regular follow-up.
How long does it take to treat trichotillomania?
The duration of treatment for trichotillomania can vary depending on the person's condition and response to treatment. This condition can often require a long-term course of treatment, as treatment aims to change the person's behaviour and help them learn to cope with stress. Psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), is one of the most common methods of treatment and can often last several months. In addition, in some cases medication may also be used to support the treatment process. The person's commitment to and response to treatment are important factors affecting the duration of treatment. Therefore, the duration of treatment is determined individually and it is important to follow the guidance of a professional healthcare professional.
Which methods are used in the treatment of trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania is a behavioural disorder characterised by involuntary plucking of hair, eyebrows or body hair. This condition can often be triggered by psychological and emotional stress and needs to be treated. Different methods are used in the treatment of trichotillomania. Here are some of these treatment methods:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): It is the most commonly used therapeutic approach in the treatment of trichotillomania. CBT helps individuals to recognise and change their hair plucking behaviour.
- Behavioural Intervention Techniques: Various techniques to change the habit of hair plucking help the individual to control this behaviour. These may include nail biting or redirection to another behaviour.
- Family Therapy: Family therapy can also be an important treatment option to understand the dynamics within the family and provide support. This allows the individual to receive emotional and social support.
- Biofeedback: Biofeedback therapy helps to control behaviours such as hair plucking by helping the individual to develop awareness of the various processes of their body.
How can trichotillomania be prevented?
Trichotillomania is an impulse control disorder characterised by involuntary pulling of hair, eyebrows or other body hair. Early diagnosis and treatment are of great importance to prevent this condition. Individuals can participate in therapy and support groups to manage emotional states such as stress, anxiety or depression that trigger this behaviour. Cognitive behavioural therapy, one of the behavioural therapy methods, can help control trichotillomania. In addition, developing healthy coping mechanisms, directing attention to other activities and seeking professional help when necessary can help prevent this disorder.
Can Trichotillomania Occur in Children?
Trichotillomania, the habit of pulling one's own hair, eyebrows or eyelashes, is a disorder that can also be seen in children. This condition, which is often associated with psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, emotional difficulties or traumatic events, can manifest itself in different ways in children. Some children may do this behaviour unconsciously, while others may do it consciously to provide relief or reduce emotional tension. If trichotillomania in childhood is not diagnosed early and treated with appropriate psychological support, it can become more complex in later life. It is therefore important for parents to consult a specialist if they notice such behaviour in their child.
