What Is the Treatment for Trichotillomania?
The main treatment for trichotillomania is a type of behavior therapy called habit reversal training. With this approach, a person with trichotillomania first learns to identify when and where he or she has the urge to pull hair. This technique also teaches relaxation as a way to reduce some of the tension associated with the urge and helps the person develop a different behavior to use when the urge to pull hair occurs. This new activity, called a competing response, might be as simple as making a fist with the hand that is used to pull out the hair. Some therapists also use cognitive therapy as a way to address any distorted thinking that might be adding to the stress that triggers the behavior. In addition, medication might be used as part of the treatment program. A type of antidepressant medication called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) might be useful in helping to curb very intense urges.
