How can I choose the best treatment of trichotillomania?
The best treatment of trichotillomania depends on the individual needs of a person suffering from this compulsive hair pulling disorder. The aim of the treatment is to reduce the urge to repeatedly pull on the hair, or if a person is unable to lose the desire to pull out the hair, the aim to resist the physical effect of hair pulling. Trichotillomania's best therapy is often a combination of drug treatment and behavior modification.
Most of the drugs prescribed for trichotillomania are tricyclic antidepressants or selective antidepressants of back serotonin inhibitor (SSRI). It is assumed that there is a chemical imbalance that predispses certain people to obsessive-compulsive behavior such as hair pulling. Medicines may not be suitable for all who are looking for treatment for trichotillomania, as side effects can outweigh the benefits of antidepressants. The side effects of antidepressants may include nausea, dry mouth, dizziness and weight.
Behavioral therapy for trichotillomania often begins with the evaluation of the triggers forHair pulling. Once these triggers have been identified, the therapist will be able to develop a plan to manage these stressors. The therapist can recommend breathing exercises and meditation to reduce the urge to pull hair. Hypnotherapy is also an effective tool for several selected trichotillomanias.
Some believe that biofeedback therapy is a beneficial treatment for trichotillomania. Therapeutic sessions may include identifying feelings that accompany the urge to pull hair, including the tension in the facial muscles and the restless feeling in the hands. The therapist would then help one discover alternative actions or breathing techniques that can calm the urge to pull hair. Daily sessions of listening to calm, relaxing music can also reduce self -speed with hair towing.
Many therapists asks for a person looking for treatment trichotillomania to keep a record of when the urge to pull out. Logbook should include the time of day and all other details of the clock before the trichotillomania attack. It is possible that avoiding certain activities or people can help avoid further episodes of hair pulling.
Most people who need trichotillomania treatment will best respond to a combination of behavioral therapy and drugs. Relapse in hair pulling is not unusual, even after therapy. It has been found that the technique of modification of the behavioral modification called Habin Reversal (HRT) is successful in helping people who are unable to stop pulling hair. HRT teaches the patient how to change thinking that accompanies the physical action of hair pulling. It helps a person to focus on another way to alleviate stress that does not have the adverse effects of hair loss.