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In the field of mental health, there are a variety of conditions that affect the lives of many people, and some may even go unnoticed. Habits that may seem strange to a person may actually be a sign of a disorder. One such condition is compulsive hair pulling, also known as trichotillomania. A person suffering from this condition feels a strong urge to pull out their hair from the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, arms and legs. This results in hair fall which can be quite painful for the person. Although they understand the consequences of their actions, they still cannot stop themselves from plucking their hair because they get a feeling of relief and satisfaction from it. One may not even realize when the seemingly harmless habit of plucking hair from eyebrows or eyelashes turns into an obsession. (Also Read | What is Pica, the eating disorder causing a 3-year-old to eat his sofa and walls?)
What is trichotillomania? Know its symptoms
Trichotillomania is a mental health disorder and a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The person suffering from this experiences a strong desire to pull out their hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes or elsewhere. The act gives them pleasure or relief and resistance may lead to increased irritation and tension.
“Individuals suffering from trichotillomania often experience increased stress, leading to pulling actions, followed by a feeling of relief or pleasure when the hair is pulled out. Visible hair loss can result in considerable emotional distress. and social or occupational functioning may be impaired, leading those affected to seek various forms of concealment and avoidance strategies. Trichotillomania falls into the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, characterized by the compulsive and often irresistible nature of the illness. Underpins nature,” says Brittany Hunt, physician and head of quality, innovation. Research department at Clinique Les Alpes, a Switzerland-based addiction treatment center.
What are the common causes of this hair pulling disorder?
The exact cause of trichotillomania is unclear, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Neurological imbalances and disruptions in brain pathways related to impulse control and reward processing may contribute to the development of this disorder.
“There may be many factors that contribute to why people develop trichotillomania, and these often involve a complex interplay of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. While a direct genetic link has been observed, Which suggests a hereditary predisposition, stress and traumatic events may also act as significant triggers. Plucking or pulling out hair may initially begin as a coping strategy to control emotions, however. “Habit formation overtime may contribute to the persistence of the disorder despite negative consequences or desire to stop,” says Hunt.
therapeutic approach to the disorder
Hunt says that addressing trichotillomania requires a comprehensive therapeutic approach and lists some suggestions.
CBT and HRT
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and habit reversal training (HRT), are particularly useful techniques. This therapy focuses on identifying triggers, implementing coping responses to hair pulling, and developing coping mechanisms to manage stress and emotional distress.
medicines
Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may also provide symptom relief for people whose trichotillomania is rooted in anxiety or depression.
business support
It is important to seek professional help as soon as possible, not only because early intervention is an excellent indicator of long-term recovery success, but also because the longer the hair is pulled from the root, the less likely it is that the hair will eventually deteriorate. Go back.
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