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What are the best treatments for Trichotillomania?

See the best treatments for Trichotillomania here

Trichotillomania treatments

Treatments for Trichotillomania


Trichotillomania is a disorder characterized by the recurrent pulling out of one's hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss. It is often a chronic condition that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. While there is no definitive cure for trichotillomania, several treatments have shown promise in managing and reducing the symptoms of this disorder.



Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)


Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered the most effective treatment for trichotillomania. This therapy focuses on identifying and modifying the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to hair pulling. CBT helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms and teaches them to recognize triggers and implement strategies to resist the urge to pull their hair. It often involves techniques such as habit reversal training, stimulus control, and cognitive restructuring.



Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)


Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is another therapeutic approach that has shown promise in treating trichotillomania. ACT aims to help individuals accept their hair pulling urges without judgment while committing to actions that align with their values. This therapy focuses on mindfulness, acceptance, and developing psychological flexibility to reduce the impact of hair pulling on daily functioning.



Medication


In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage trichotillomania symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine or sertraline, have been found to be effective in reducing hair pulling behaviors. These medications work by altering brain chemistry and can help regulate mood and reduce anxiety, which are often associated with trichotillomania.



Support Groups


Joining a support group can be beneficial for individuals with trichotillomania. Connecting with others who understand the challenges of living with this disorder can provide a sense of belonging, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer practical tips for managing hair pulling urges. Support groups can be found both in-person and online.



Habit Reversal Training (HRT)


Habit Reversal Training (HRT) is a specific technique often used within CBT to address trichotillomania. It involves increasing awareness of hair pulling behaviors, identifying triggers, and implementing competing responses to replace the urge to pull hair. Competing responses can include activities that keep the hands occupied or relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety.



Alternative Therapies


While the evidence is limited, some individuals with trichotillomania have reported benefits from alternative therapies such as acupuncture, hypnotherapy, or aromatherapy. These approaches may help reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to hair pulling behaviors. However, it is important to consult with a qualified practitioner before trying any alternative therapy.



It is worth noting that what works for one person may not work for another, and a combination of treatments may be necessary to effectively manage trichotillomania. It is essential to consult with a mental health professional experienced in treating this disorder to develop an individualized treatment plan.


Diseasemaps
17 answers
Family acceptance therapy, psychological or psychiatrist therapy.

Posted May 21, 2017 by Ksantamariar 600
The best treatment varies from person to person and for me, my treatment includes intense interaction with animals mainly dogs and horses. The horses are an escape for me because when I'm riding or working with a horse, my stress and anxiety goes away and I am focused on communicating with my team mate and trusting that they are also trusting and listening to what I am asking of them. My dog is in training to be a psychiatric service dog who has learned to jump on my lap and paw at my arm or hand when I go to pull and by teaching her this, it redirects my negative behavior and makes me focus on what my dog is telling me. Her action of doing this forces me to get up and break that trance and tend to her.

Posted Jun 14, 2017 by Jfeint87 325
Possibly counselling, support groups.

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Katlyn 1400
At the moment there are no known cures for trichotillomania.

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Lucyeleanor2601 2620
N-acetylcholine (supplement), low sugar/low simple carbohydrate diet, regular exercise. Also, therapy. Not necessarily to stop pulling, but to address self confidence issues that most trichsters have. I found eyebrow tattoos to be the best treatment for me. It was very freeing to feel like I could show my face at any time, or go swimming at the gym. Please know, you don't have to stop pulling to be a worthy, beautiful, confident and successful person. You are fine as you are.

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Kathryn 450
I do think this is different for everyone. Because my trich is not related to anxiety or other difficult life issues, when my parents made me undergo counselling with a number or practitioners as a teenager, no good came of it. However, it has helped others.
I've been put on Prozac - stopped it because it didn't help my hair and made me feel robotic.
I've tried hypnosis and behavioural modification treatment. No good either.
That said, those treatments have and continue to help others. There is no one size fits all.
My help has not been medical, but rather interpersonal, with a supportive partner.

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Shirley 2150
Trichotillomania has no cure or official treatments but the community of afflicted had found many methods that work for them. Keep in mind that everyone is different and since Trich is a fairly misunderstood condition that many medical professionals do not understand, these are all remedies. What may work for some may not work for others.

N - ACETYL CYSTEINE supplements have had an impact in some patients.
Biotin has been known to boost hair growth and health, as has Castor Oil. Biotin can be ingested and the castor oil should be applied topically to the afflicted area.
Activities promoting distractions, both mental and tactile, should be encouraged.
A balance of diet and exercise to improve emotional and mental health will also improve the symptoms of trich.

Those suffering from Anxiety and Depressive disorders may want to consider Medical Marijuana if they are legally able to do so. Indica strains and CBD can ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety and can in turn ease the triggers of a hair pulling episode.

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Ellen 2161
CBT has really helped me and the Prozac seems to help my outlook.

Posted Aug 11, 2017 by Michele 990
There is no clear cut answer to this question. Everyone is different, and everyone pulls for different reasons. So it is important to understand that many treatments may not work. There is no one definitive treatment. Many individuals like to use fidget toys or stimulation toys to occupy their hands and simulate the sensation of pulling hair. This include fidget cubes/spinners, and also stim stuff like pulling bristles out of a brush, or tapping the skin with a brush or other stimulative object. Medicine treatments include n-Acetylcysteine.

Posted Aug 11, 2017 by Sari 2050
Varies from person to person. Medication works for some, topical applications to restore or strengthen hair (coconut oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil) behavioral therapy, learning other coping mechanisms, etc.

Posted Aug 11, 2017 by Theresa 970
I haven't found a "treatment" that works. I have a weave system which prevents me from getting to the hair on my head, but nothing has stopped me pulling altogether. Tried hypnotherapy, sleep therapy, books, will power, hand being slapped away when I pull. Nothing works for me.

Posted Aug 12, 2017 by Catswithtatts 1650
Everyone is different. Some get help with medication. Some try natural methods. Diet and exercise might help some people. That makes it so hard to deal with because it's not like a disease or disorder that medicine works the same way on. This is an individual issue that takes years of trial and error.

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Cynthia 1502
I haven’t found any effective treatments as of yet.

Posted Oct 18, 2017 by Tiffany 400
awareness is key, then distractions that keep the hands busy such as fidget spinners, knitting, typing, gloved hands and oil on the scalp to make slippery. Trichotillomania(TTM)Awareness and other Facebook groups were created to help encourage others suffering the same.

Posted Oct 19, 2017 by Felicia@Face2FaceSpa 2000
Cognitive behavioural therapy has shown to have some effect, however at this time there is no guaranteed therapy out there to help.

Posted Oct 20, 2017 by bennersk 2190
NAC, N-Acetylcesteine
Panthenol cream

Posted Jan 27, 2018 by Vee 2770

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Hi! I am Zsófi, Sophie, I live in Budapest, In Hungary...I have had trich since my age 12. I am(i try to be) a very active person, I love sports, music, playing on guitar, I am working as engeneer-informatics, but trich made my life very hard and ma...
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I developed symptoms of Trich when I was 11 after my mom was diagnosed with cancer. After she passed it got incredibly worse. I mainly pull my eyebrows and eyelashes, but also pull everywhere. It was very embarrassing growing up. I'd pencil in my eye...
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I was always an anxious kid. Even when I should have been too young to stress about anything, I was stressing about everything! When I was 6 years old, I pulled a bald patch at the top of my head and was diagnosed with Trich. It was a self conscious ...
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Scalp puller. Started at age 3. This is the worst it has been. Can't stop, no regrowth anymore.
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I'm not sure quite how long I've been pulling. It's been at least 20 years, but maybe more. It's been worse in the last four or five years, but thankfully these days fidget and stress toys are all the rage and I have fidget cubes to keep my hands bus...

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