Trichotillomania: Encyclopedia II - Trichotillomania - Treatment for Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania - Treatment for Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is classified as an Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Disorder. Compulsive Spectrum Disorders are obsessive compulsive qualities that are related and similar to that of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Trichotillomania - Habit Reversal Training

One form of treatment for Trichotillomania is Habit Reversal Training. Many patients who pull their hair don’t realize that they are doing this; it is a conditioned response. With Habit Reversal Training doctors train the individual to learn to recognize their impulse to pull and also teach them to redirect this impulse. Patients feel the urge to pick at their hair are taught to visualize something that will get their mindset off of picking at their hair. Once they are aware of what they are doing then they are able to focus and stop themselves from the urge of picking.

Patients are also often instructed to keep a journal of their hair-pulling episodes. They may be asked to record the date, time, location, and number of hairs pulled, as well what they are thinking or feeling at the time. This can help the patient learn to identify situations where they commonly pull out their hair and develop strategies for avoiding episodes.

Trichotillomania - Medications

Selective seretonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used in the treatment of trichotillomania. Antidepressants have been shown to be effective in treating both Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and trichotillomania.

Trichotillomania - Exposure and Response Techniques ERT

Trichotillomania - Stimulus and Control Techniques

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Treatment for Trichotillomania", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki