Trichotillomania

[Puppies]

Hello.

I’ve posted on these forums before, seeking assistance with supporting my partner who has depression/anxiety but have not previously thought to post about my own struggles.

I have had Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder) for 10 years. I went through my entire high school years and uni with trichotillomania. Throughout this whole time it has only been my eyebrows/eyelashes. I have only started getting help (seeing a psych) at the beginning of this year. I’m not sure if it is working as well as I had hoped because we often go off on tangents about other aspects of my life (such as uni, partner etc) and the focus isn’t always the Trichotillomania. I find that I get increasingly anxious before each appointment. Sometimes I may not have an appointment for a month or two , and when I am called about the opportunity for an extra appointment I just say I can’t go (even if I am available for it).

I’m not sure what to do in regards to the psychologist - whether I should keep going to the appointments or just stop going altogether.

I also haven’t spoken to anyone else who has/had Trichotillomania. I’d like to hear from others who have been dealing with the feelings that surround the urges (guilt, anxiety, anger, sadness, feeling unattractive, like a failure, etc.) and how you overcame trichotillomania.

I have been doing research and have recently come across some sites that talk about medication that actually stops the urges. I feel that if I could get rid of the feeling/urge that it would be easier for me to overcome it. The urges are 99% of the time uncontrollable (and the feeling doesn’t go away until I pull hair). I also find that my anxiety spikes when I try to fight against the urge. I don’t feel better until I pull hair.

Has anyone been prescribed medication for this? Or has anyone stopped trichotillomania in any other ways?

thanks - puppies

[Croix]

Dear Puppies~

I have a mild problem that makes me tug and twist my hair when stressed, but is not nearly as severe as yours -my hair remains in place. So I can understand the phenomena, if not the severity.

I would imagine the reasons it looks like your psych is getting sidetracked into the other aspects of your life is a very understandable desire to deal with the causes - the Trichotillomania being a result.

If this mode of hterapy is so upsetting that you don't want to go then it really does seem self defeating. Add to that the fact psychologists are unable to prescribe and I'll put up a couple of suggestion you might like to comment on:

The first of course is to see someone who can prescribe - maybe you GP, maybe a psychiatrist -and ask if there are any medication treatments available.

The second is to tell your psychologist that the current methods are driving you away and ask that there be a re-think about how to go.

Perhaps therapy concentrating on alternative less harmful coping mechanisms to use when the urge becomes irresistible might be a thought. I suspect - but do not really know - that those used to combat self-harm might be applicable

Have a read of

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/self-harm-and-self-injury

and see what you think

Croix

[Puppies]

Hi Croix,

Thanks so much for the reply.

I’m studying psychology (in my final year) and I think that may be why I expected a different method of treatment with my current psychologist.

And yes I may actually go to my GP about medication, I had not previously thought of doing that.

And thanks for that link, I will definitely check it out. I have known for a long time that trichotillomania is considered self harm, but I have not thought of it in that way for myself.. although I may be wrong? I’m not entirely sure of the motive for why I do it. I was hoping my psychologist could help me with that

thanks - puppies