Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Trichotillosis; Compulsive hair pulling
Treatment
Experts don't agree on the use of medication for treatment. However, naltrexone and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown effective in reducing some symptoms. Behavioral therapy and habit reversal may also be effective.
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
Trichotillomania that begins in younger children (fewer than 6 years old) may go away without treatment. For most, the hair pulling ends within 12 months.
For others, trichotillomania is a lifelong disorder. However, treatment often improves the hair pulling and the feelings of depression, anxiety, or poor self image.
Complications
People can have complications when they eat the pulled-out hair (trichophagia). This can cause a blockage in the intestines or lead to poor nutrition.
Calling your health care provider
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Review Date: 02/18/2010
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz.
Previously reviewed by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director,
MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University
of Washington, School of Medicine; and Michelle Benger Merrill, MD,
Instructor in Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry,
Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY (2/18/2010).
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
