Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder characterised by pulling one’s hair compulsively. There are no Trichotillomania causes as such but a patient must see a mental health expert if Trichotillomania symptoms persist for a long period. Trichotillomania treatment can be challenging if not caught at the right time. Jagruti Rehab Centre offers treatment plans for multiple disorders. Patients are treated by the best doctors in the country and are taken care of with utmost care.
Learn more about the condition by knowing what is Trichotillomania disorder and how to treat Trichotillomania disorder without worrying about relapse. The blog also covers what causes Trichotillomania and what are the symptoms of Trichotillomania among other important aspects.

What is Trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania (also called TTM) is a mental health disorder featuring irresistible urges to pull out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, head or any other body part. The disorder is categorised under Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours.
The habit of pulling out hair eventually results in bald spots causing distress. A person suffering from severe TTM is not able to function or converse properly in routine. Patients then go to extreme lengths to hide their bald spots and hair loss.

Types of Trichotillomania

There are two main types of Trichotillomania disorder, which are as follows:

• Automatic Trichotillomania Disorder: Patients suffering from Automatic TTM may not be aware that they are engaging in the behaviour until afterwards. For instance, they could be pulling out hair while reading a book or watching TV but notice the severity of the actions only when the entire space is covered with hair.
• Focused Trichotillomania Disorder: Patients suffering from Focused TTM deliberately pull out their hair because they are driven by a sense of satisfaction or relief. Such patients wait to be alone to carry out these actions. In both cases, professional intervention is essential so that habits and negative behaviours can be changed for the better.

What is the difference between Trichotillomania and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder characterised by obsession. A patient has unwanted thoughts and images that go against his core values. Trichotillomania, however, is characterized by triggers such as sensations and certain emotional states. Therefore, anyone suffering from TTM pulls out hair because of an urge or a habit and is not always a coping mechanism.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Myth 1: Trichotillomania is a harmless disorder.
Fact 1: False. If not checked at the right time, Trichotillomania can be a dangerous disorder. Sometimes, patients tend to eat their hairs after pulling them out which can cause digestive issues.

Myth 2: Patients suffering from TTM are always able to grow their hair back.
Fact 2: False. Hair loss is reversible only if it is diagnosed and treated at the right time. In severe cases of TTM, it is not always a possibility.

Myth 3: Trichotillomania is a way to inflict self-harm.
Fact 3: False. TTM is a compulsive behaviour as it can be caused because of neutral and negative reasons. In the case of self-harm, pulling out hair is more of a coping mechanism which is not true in the case of Trichotillomania.

Myth 4: TTM is caused because of trauma.
Fact 4: The exact reason for TTM is unknown. Genetic and environmental factors also contribute. It can also happen because of an imbalance in neurotransmitters.

Statistics and Facts

Globally, TTM affects 1-3% of the population. However, many cases are diagnosed due to stigma associated with psychological illnesses and lack of awareness.

What Causes Trichotillomania?

Environmental factors like boredom or isolation also contribute. Certain times, people suffering from a health problem develop this condition as it is relieving. Patients going through chemotherapy have been observed to do so.
An imbalance in certain neurotransmitters can also be a cause of the problem. Serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine imbalance can make a person feel uncomfortable.
There aren’t any particular Trichotillomania causes since it is a psychological disorder. However, a person can suffer from Trichotillomania due to genetic factors or learned behaviours. If an individual has ancestors who suffered from hair-pulling disorder, he or she is likely to have inherited the disorder from them.

What Are The Symptoms of Trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania symptoms often include:

• Compulsive pulling of hair from the head, eyebrows or any other body part. The problem increases in intensity despite the negative outcomes like bald patches.
• Feeling relieved after pulling hairs if and when a person is anxious or stressed. The behaviour is repeated quite often in severe cases.
• Noticeable bald patches, consistent thinking of hair and missing eyelashes or eyebrows.
• Certain patients pull out hair in a specific pattern and feel uncomfortable if not done in the same manner.
• Experiencing a sense of calmness after having pulled out hair. Patients are observed eating and even rubbing hair on their mouths or lips.
• Skin-picking, scratching acne, biting nails and plucking lips are also noticed among people suffering from TTM.

How to Treat Trichotillomania?

Diagnosis of Trichotillomania Disorder
Diagnosing Trichotillomania is a long process that includes various scans and tests. Medical professionals can conduct punch biopsies in which a sample of a patient's skin is taken to rule out any physiological problem that could be causing hair loss. CT scans are also recommended to rule out any abnormalities in the brain region.

Psychological Assessment:
Once established that the problem is psychological, interviews with a psychiatrist are recommended to diagnose the severity of the situation. The personal symptoms of a patient are also taken into consideration.

Trichotillomania Treatment
Here are some of the most effective techniques for Trichotillomania treatment:

• Comprehensive Behavioural Treatment: Comprehensive Behavioural Treatment includes awareness training and functional assessment. Awareness training helps a patient to identify patterns of habits that trigger the behaviour. Patients are trained to keep track of habits that precede hair-pulling so that self-control can be practised.
• Habit Reversal Training: Habit reversal training enables an individual to replace the habit of pulling hair with healthier habits. Psychiatrists identify triggers, sensations and situations for a patient. Once the patient realises the problem, he or she is trained to perform other harmless actions like clenching of fists or holding on to objects. Self-monitoring lies at the core of the treatment which lowers the chances of relapse.
• Stimulus Control: This technique of treatment involves modifying the environment to limit opportunities that trigger the behaviour. Psychiatrists might ask the patient to wear gloves or a cap to create a physical barrier reminding the individual to not pull hair. Fidget toys are equally useful as they keep the hands occupied. The aim is to regain control over impulses and build healthier habits.
• Relaxation Training: Relaxation training for TTM incorporates deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxation and guided imagery to propagate calmness. The aim is to limit emotional arousal and gain control over impulses so that the frequency of urges can be minimised. When practised along with stimulus control and habit reversal, an overall change in behaviour is noticed.
  There is no particular medicine for treating Trichotillomania. However, at certain times, patients suffering from an acute form of Trichotillomania may consume their hair which can cause severe digestive issues. Medicines are then prescribed to treat such symptoms and prevent further health complications.

Living with Trichotillomania Disorder

Living with Trichotillomania can be difficult. If not checked and diagnosed at the right time, a person can suffer extensively. However, a patient can lead a normal life if the following ideas are incorporated into a patient’s life even when the treatment is going on.

• Understand the condition and accept the problem. A health disorder can happen to anyone, therefore, it is best to recognize the triggers and start the treatment as soon as possible.
• Living with Trichotillomania can be difficult as any psychological disorder brings with it emotional and social baggage. Patients might suffer from low self-confidence and avoid social gatherings.
• However, certain coping strategies can make living with Trichotillomania easier and more manageable. Avoiding stress, boredom and certain kinds of environments that trigger Trichotillomania is highly recommended.
• Seeking professional help is always advised especially to those who are not able to change their habits and patterns. Regaining control over impulses is essential to lead a normal life.
• A personal support group is essential to feel better. Anyone suffering from TTM must build a support network to share their emotions and feelings. This is essential for a patient to lead a fulfilling life while managing the condition.

How to Support Loved Ones

Along with professional help, support at home is essential for recovery from Trichotillomania. Here is how an individual can recover faster from Trichotillomania by getting the right kind of emotional and psychological support:

• Practise empathy with them so that they feel comfortable and relatable. Being emotionally available can do wonders so hear them out.
• Encourage them to seek professional help if the symptoms persist for more than a month. A mental health expert will aid in faster recovery and prevent relapse.
• Avoid commenting on their bald patches and their looks. Be supportive at all times to avoid further complications. Encourage them to lead a normal life so that they get over the problem organically.
• Avoid imposing your choice of treatment on patients as they might not be comfortable with it. Every person is different and the severity of the problem may vary. Therefore, let the professionals do their jobs.
• Give them space and time to recover from this illness as it can be a time-consuming process. Exercise patience with them because recovery can be slow and frustrating.

Jagruti Treatment and Recovery

Here are 4 important reasons for selecting Jagruti Rehab Centre for everyone suffering from Trichotillomania disorder.

• Customised Treatment Plans
  Mental health experts at Jagruti Rehab Centre frame customised treatment plans for every patient. The severity of the symptoms is understood and the behaviour of each patient is analysed thoroughly. After proper diagnosis, medication (if any) and counselling sessions are planned accordingly.
• Wholesome Diet
  A healthy and balanced diet is essential for the body to recover fully. Expert nutritionists at Jagruti Rehab Centre offer balanced meals to patients that make recovery faster and easier. Cultural factors are taken into account when a diet plan is made so that the patient feels comfortable and healthy.
• Relapse Prevention
  Counselling sessions for parents and family of the patient are held. The aim is to educate everyone about the problem to remove the stigma and look at the problem objectively. Experts at this rehab centre keep the family posted about the progress and explain the procedure for Trichotillomania treatment properly.
• Compassionate Staff
  The availability of professional staff at Jagruti Rehab Centre keeps a tab on medication consumption and monitors the vitals constantly. Polite, professional and prompt staff make the Trichotillomania treatment smooth and effective. High hygiene levels are maintained at all times and assistance is provided to all patients who might need help with daily personal chores.