What is Trichotillomania and how can it be Stopped?

February 8, 2010 | Author: | Posted in Mental Health

Many people suffer from various disorders and issues that spring from anxiety and fears. One such problem is Trichotillomania. This illness involves the picking, plucking or cutting of hair or eyebrows upon compulsion to the point that noticeable bald spots appear.

The problem can manifest itself in any seemingly uncontrollable impulse to pick or pull hair from the scalp, the face or the body. Generally, the disorder leads to noticeable hair loss and can continue to worsen over time. Often referred to TTM, the disorder is most prevalent in young adults, but can affect anyone of any age. It often appears to be similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder, but it is in fact a different issue.

For many people, the problem seems uncontrollable and leads to a great deal of embarrassment. After all, no one wants to go out in public with the very obvious bald spots caused by TTM. This can, in turn, cause depression or anxiety, which will only complicate the problems.

If you suffer from TTM, you may not know what led to the issue for you, but you certainly should know that you could get help. Often, patients can find the beginnings of relief from Trichotillomania within just a few sessions with a qualified professional.

There are five main ways to treat TTM, and the professional will be able to use the right combination of methods in order to treat your disorder. You can receive these treatments in person if you live close by or you can receive help over the phone or via the Internet.

A professional will use a combination of psychotherapy, counseling, mindfulness therapy, neuro linguistic programming, and hypnotherapy. Depending on your level of TTM and the severity of your case, you will undergo the right combination to offer relief from obsessive hair pulling or cutting.

The most important thing to remember is that something that seems uncontrollable can easily be controlled with the right help. One big step is learning that you can overcome the problem since it is only uncontrollable if you allow it to be.

Trichotillomania is a serious disorder that can lead to long standing repercussions. Many people believe that their disorder is uncontrollable, but it can be controlled and it can be cured with the right help. Instead of living with the obsessive disorder and of feeling the embarrassment when you go out in public, choose to seek help and find a cure.

Bayside Psychotherapy is a unique psychotherapy practice that utilizes a range of eastern and western counselling methods to help individuals overcome anxiety and phobia disorders as well as coping with grief. If you’re located in the Brighton and Melbourne area, visit BaysidePsychotherapy today for Brighton counselling.

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Comments (1)

  1. Very well stated. I’ve had trichotillomania since the age of 6. I’m in my 50s now, but which back then there would have been the options and knowledge we have now. Even though trich can’t be cured, and the counseling I tried as an adult hasn’t helped, I hope that if children get help early there may be some hope. My book on my life and how I co-exist with trichotillomania is named “Urges,” available at http://www.Manage-Trich-Urges.com.

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