Trichotillomania / Hair Pulling Therapy in San Jose

Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling) causes people to pull out the hair from their scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, pubic area, underarms, beard, chest, legs or other parts of the body, resulting in noticeable bald patches. 

Trichotillomania is currently defined as an impulse control disorder but there is debate over how best to categorize it. Trichotillomania may resemble Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in the feelings of compulsion and repetitive behavior, but the two disorders have different symptoms and require different treatments. Trichotillomania may also resemble a tic disorder, as the action of pulling feels automatic and is preceded by an uncomfortable sensation that must be relieved. Most recently, it is being conceptualized as part of the Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Disorders under the family of "body-focused repetitive behaviors" along with skin picking and nail biting.

What are the symptoms of Trichotillomania?

If you are suffering from Trichotillomania, you may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Inability to resist urges to pull out your hair

• Mounting tension before you pull

• Gratification and relaxation when pulling

• A feeling of relief after pulling

• Noticeable hair loss

• Increased distress and/or interference with your daily life

How is Trichotillomania treated?

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) seeks to change behavior by identifying the precise factors that trigger your hair pulling and teaching you skills to interrupt and redirect responses to those triggers. CBT is based on the learning principle that as we practice new behaviors and thoughts in response to familiar emotions or situations, our brain's physical structure actually changes. We develop new neural pathways and, with practice, the new behavior becomes an automatic response.