Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania involves repetitive hair pulling that results in noticeable hair loss and can seriously affect daily life. While some people pull hair without issues, excessive pulling can lead to medical problems. Treatment for trichotillomania is often necessary as it can cause distress, isolation, and reluctance to seek help.

People with trichotillomania
commonly pull hair from...

What you may not be aware of about
trichotillomania...

1

1-3% of the population lives
with trichotillomania

2

Trichotillomania lasts an
average of 20 years

3

People with trichotillomania sometimes also report skin-picking or nail-biting behaviours

4

Trichotillomania is more
prevalent in females

adult-psychology-trichotillomania

What the research says
about treatment for trichotillomania

Trichotillomania, a disorder characterised by the recurrent urge to pull out one’s own hair, typically emerges in childhood or adolescence and affects approximately 2% of people. This condition often manifests during periods of stress, anxiety, or boredom, leading to noticeable hair loss and significant emotional distress.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), specifically Habit Reversal Training (HRT), stands as the cornerstone of effective treatment for trichotillomania. CBT-HRT helps individuals identify triggers that prompt hair-pulling episodes and teaches them alternative behaviours to replace the urge to pull hair. By fostering awareness and providing practical strategies, CBT-HRT empowers individuals to manage their symptoms effectively over the long term.

Medications, particularly Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine, are often prescribed alongside therapy. SSRIs help alleviate symptoms by addressing underlying mood and anxiety issues that contribute to trichotillomania. While not a cure on their own, medications can enhance the effectiveness of psychological interventions.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers another valuable treatment for trichotillomania. ACT encourages individuals to accept their urges without acting on them and to align their behaviours with personal values. By promoting mindfulness and psychological flexibility, ACT helps individuals develop resilience and make sustainable changes in their hair-pulling behaviours.

Integrating mindfulness and relaxation techniques into daily routines further supports treatment efforts. These practices help reduce overall stress levels, which are common triggers for hair-pulling episodes. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation, can be incorporated into daily routines to promote relaxation and reduce the urge to pull hair.

By combining these evidence-based approaches—CBT-HRT, medication when appropriate, ACT, and mindfulness—individuals with trichotillomania can effectively manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and cultivate healthier coping mechanisms. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s specific needs and may involve a multidisciplinary approach involving mental health professionals, physicians, and support networks to provide comprehensive care and support throughout the treatment process.

Tips for managing trichotillomania

Our Psychologists, highly qualified with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology, offer treatment for trichotillomania using evidence-based approaches. They use Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), the gold standard for many psychological issues, along with other evidence-based treatments like Mindfulness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).