Trichotillomania and Dermatillomania: Two Disorders That Are Under-Recognized by Doctors

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Two of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders are dermatillomania (skin-picking) and trichotillomania (hair-pulling), but both of them are under-recognized by professionals in the medical field. These disorders can have a negative impact in anyone’s life. They can lead to meaningful physical disfigurement, which will cause low self-esteem and thus intimate relationships and social activities are things that will more than likely be left behind. Not only that, but these disorders can potentially cause crucial physical consequences in the long run.

Noteworthy Statistics

According to the recent statistics by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, possibly four percent of adults in America are currently suffering from trichotillomania, or the compulsive urge to twist or pull their hair until it ends up breaking. When it comes to the skin-picking disorder (dermatillomania), the statistics are not as staggering, but nonetheless . . . still present.

The co-founder of the Anxiety and OCD Treatment Center of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Laura Lokers, who is also a licensed clinical social worker, estimates that between two and five percent of the population suffers from a repetitive behavior that is body-focused. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at the moment, one out of every sixty-eight children are suffering from the autism spectrum disorder.

These disorders tend to co-occur quite frequently. Commonly, both of them present themselves with co-occurring anxiety or depression.

Trichotillomania is a very devastating disorder. The matters that link to severe cases of this condition are obvious to the naked eye, as they are marked by missing eyelashes, sparse eyebrows and by patchy bald areas on the scalp. When it comes to the emotional damage that is caused by this health matter, it can range from social withdrawal, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression.

How to Cure Trichotillomania

There is no official cure for this health matter, but it can often be controlled if you opt to go to a trichologist, as he/she can provide you with valuable information that can help you break the habit. By visiting such professional, you’ll be more aware of what you’re doing with your hands.

There are many different things that can be utilized that can prevent you from touching your hair, such as a stress ball. Having something to squeeze can prevent you from even thinking about messing with your hair. Some people actually enjoy the feeling or sensation that comes with plucking hair from the skin or the sensation of rubbing the hair across their lips. If that’s the case, curb the urge by imitating that feeling.  Massage your scalp or brush your hair. Use dental floss to run across your lips. TrichStop.com has a good outline of trichotillomania treatment options that are used in different cases. Sometimes hypnosis, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) or habit reversal training might be the answer. Sometimes simply wearing a beaded bracelet to fidget with or rubber band on your wrist to snap when you get the urge to pull can help. Every case is different.

Trichologist or Psychiatrist?

If you have just begun to see bald patches due to this habit, it’s often recommended that you visit a trichologist. On the other hand, if you have actually picked out every single hair of your head, it’s recommended that you visit a psychiatrist. Depending on the situation, you can break the cycle in different ways.

Behavioral therapy has proven to be the most effective method in treating trichotillomania and dermatillomania.

Other Resources

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/10/body-focused-disorders-skin-picking-hair-pulling-zit-popping_n_7536234.html

http://focus.psychiatryonline.org/doi/abs/10.1176/appi.focus.130212?journalCode=foc

Veronica Davis