trichotillomania treatment

Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder in which an individual has an overwhelming urge to pull hair out from their body and sometimes from other’s bodies as well. The causes of trichotillomania are seen to be both biological and behavioral, so a variety of treatment options are best when addressing trichotillomania.

Biological Cause of Trichotillomania

The biological cause of trichotillomania is mainly attributed to an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, mainly dopamine and serotonin. This imbalance can be remedied with the use of certain anti-depressant medications, such as SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). The success rate of anti-depressants is high, but can be increased when combined with other forms of behavioral therapy.

Behavioral Therapy for Treatment of Trichotillomania

Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy is found to be the most successful form of treatment for trichotillomania. CBT or cognitive-behavior therapy is based on replacing new behaviors and thoughts in response to certain emotions or situations. Particular methods of cognitive-behavior therapy, such as Habit-Reversal Training and the Comprehensive Model for Behavioral Treatment are extremely successful in treating trichotillomania.

Other Treatment Options for Trichotillomania

Other treatments, such as hypnotherapy are effective at treating trichotillomania by altering the thought processes of a sufferer through the power of suggestion. Alternative therapies such as herbal medication, yoga, prayer and dietary changes has been reported as successful in helping treat trichotillomania.

Optimal Treatment for Trichotillomania

The best form of treatment for trichotillomania varies from person to person, as the causes of trichotillomania are not uniform. The most effective form of treatment has been found to be a combination of anti-depressant use with cognitive behavior therapy. Finding the right combination of treatments is important, as some treatments will work better for some more than others. Overcoming trichotillomania is most successful when treated in its earliest stages, and is commonly “outgrown” in children. Trichotillomania becomes increasingly difficult to cure the longer an individual suffers from it due to the behavior patterns and habits that are formed from repeated hair pulling. It is detrimental to recovery that trichotillomania sufferers seek treatment as soon as possible.