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Trichotillomania (TTM) and related Body-
Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)
What is Trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania (trick-o-till-o-MAY-nee-ah; also known as TTM or “trich”) is a disorder which causes individuals to pull out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other part of the body, resulting in noticeable hair loss.
What are the signs/ symptom of Trichotillomania?
The most common characteristics include:- the inability to resist urges to pull one’s hair
- a mounting sense of tension prior to pulling one’s hair (for some)
- a sense of gratification or relief after pulling one’s hair
- noticeable hair loss
- significant impact on one’s daily functioning
Is Trichotillomania a form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Trichotillomania is currently classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) as an Impulse-Control Disorder; however, Trichotillomania has most recently been conceptualized to belong to a unique family of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) with skin-picking, nail biting, and cheek biting. Trichotillomania does share commonalities with Obsessive-Compulsive disorder as well as Tic Disorders, however there are also significant differences that distinguish them.
Is Trichotillomania
self-mutilating and/or painful?
For most individuals who pull their hair, the behavior is not intentionally self-destructive. In fact, most individuals with Trichotillomania are upset by and self-conscious about the damage caused and put forth great effort to cease the behavior. Generally individuals with Trichotillomania do not experience the hair pulling as painful.
How are Trichotillomania and BFRBs treated?
The most consistently empirically-supported treatment for Trichotillomania is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This form of therapy should be provided by a psychologist with expertise in treating Trichotillomania and involves identifying “triggers” to pulling behavior as well as ways in which to interrupt the pattern of behavior and redirect the response to pulling “triggers.” Some individuals have benefitted from medication as well. Many individuals find participating in a support group and having contact with others who have Trichotillomania
and other BFRBs very helpful.
How can The Center for Emotional Health help me?
The Trichotillomania and Related Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors Treatment Program at The Center utilizes state of the art cognitive-behavioral therapy, family involvement, and emotion focused approaches to alleviate symptoms and improve self-esteem. The Center also sponsors a Trichotillomania and BFRBs support group.