Trichotillomania, also known as “trichotillomania hair pulling”, is a mental health problem. It is a compulsive behavior that leads an individual to pull out their own hair, often resulting in noticeable hair loss and frequently having a significant impact on the quality of life of the affected person. But what if we could control this compulsion through clinical hypnosis?
It is estimated that 1 to 2% of the world’s population suffers from trichotillomania, but many do not seek help due to shame or lack of knowledge about effective treatment options. Here at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH), we aim to demystify the disorder and illuminate the path for those struggling with trichotillomania.
We wrote this article to help answer questions like ‘What is trichotillomania?’, ‘How is it diagnosed?’, ‘What are the conventional treatment options and how do they work?’, ‘What is the role of social support in managing the disorder?’. Additionally, we want to show how you, as an individual, can make a significant difference by helping and supporting those struggling with trichotillomania.
Primarily, this article will delve into the effectiveness of clinical hypnosis as a therapeutic tool in controlling trichotillomania. We will discuss how hypnosis can be used to help control impulses and reduce the anxiety and stress that often lead to compulsive behavior.
Working together, we can make the lives of those suffering from trichotillomania less stressful and more fulfilling.
Understanding what trichotillomania is
“Trichotillomania hair pulling” is an impulse control disorder. Those who suffer from this condition have an irresistible compulsion to pull their own hair. It can be from the hair on the head, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, among others. Regardless of the location, the most visible consequence of the disorder is hair loss in the affected areas.
This disorder usually begins in childhood or adolescence, although it can also manifest in adulthood. It is important to remember that trichotillomania is more than just a “bad habit”. It is a mental health condition that causes significant distress to those who suffer from it.
A very relevant fact is that many people are not aware that what they are doing is a medical condition and, therefore, treatable. They may feel ashamed or embarrassed, often hiding or denying the behavior.
With the repetitive behavior of pulling hair strands, symptoms such as pleasure or immediate relief after pulling the hair, frustration or anxiety before pulling, and even pulling hair when bored, stressed, or relaxing, arise.
Regarding social behavior, trichotillomania can lead a person to avoid social or public activities for fear that others might notice the lack of hair. Generally, this problem leads to low self-esteem, due to feeling ashamed or feeling different from others.
Causes and main symptoms of trichotillomania
Trichotillomania, or the habit of pulling hair, can be caused by various factors. Invariably, these are psychological in nature. Emotional problems, particularly stressful situations and traumas, are often pointed out as triggers for the onset of the behavior. They act as a way to release accumulated tension or distract the patient from distressing thoughts.
However, genetic predisposition can also play a significant role in trichotillomania, as the condition seems to occur more frequently in people who have family members with the same habit or with other obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders.
In terms of symptoms, besides the recurrent act of pulling one’s hair, affected individuals may present areas of the scalp with irregular hair loss or baldness. Sometimes, associated behaviors are also observed, such as examining the pulled strands, twirling them between the fingers, biting them, or even eating them – which can lead to serious digestive system problems.
Often, the person may not realize they are developing the habit of pulling their hair, doing it unconsciously. However, in other cases, the impulse is experienced intensely and resisting it can generate anxiety. Feelings of shame or guilt may also arise, contributing to hiding the problem and making diagnosis and proper treatment difficult.
Diagnosis of trichotillomania: how is it done?
The diagnosis of trichotillomania, the habit of compulsively pulling hair, is made by a mental health professional through a careful clinical evaluation. Initially, it may be necessary to rule out other medical conditions that can also cause hair loss, such as dermatological problems.
In this evaluation, the professional looks for signs that are consistent with the criteria for trichotillomania established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Among these criteria are: recurrent hair pulling, resulting in noticeable hair loss; repeated efforts to decrease or stop the behavior; clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of the individual’s life, and the behavior is not attributed to another medical condition or symptoms of another mental disorder.
Therefore, detailed interviews with the patient and, if possible, with close people can provide valuable information. Psychological assessments can also be conducted to obtain a more complete picture of the individual’s behavior.
It is important to emphasize that only a qualified professional can make this diagnosis safely and accurately. One should not attempt to self-diagnose or diagnose others. Noticed any of these signs? Seek help from a professional.
Conventional treatments for trichotillomania
If you have been looking for ways to combat trichotillomania hair pulling, it is important to know what conventional treatment options are currently available. In general, treatment for this disorder tends to be multidisciplinary, involving the cooperation of various professionals.
First and foremost, psychotherapy plays an essential role in this process. Specifically, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has proven to be quite effective in many cases. This approach helps people identify and change dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to trichotillomania, especially negative beliefs about themselves and their abilities.
Medications may also be prescribed, especially for those with more severe cases of trichotillomania. The most common types of medications used include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and antipsychotics. However, each person is unique, and what works for one individual may not work for another. It is crucial to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before starting pharmacological treatment.
It is also worth noting that relaxation methods, such as meditation and yoga, have shown beneficial results in managing trichotillomania. These practices provide an efficient way to redirect attention and reduce stress, potentially helping prevent hair-pulling episodes.
A fundamental aspect of treating trichotillomania, also known as the “hair-pulling” disorder, is social support. We cannot underestimate the importance of a strong and understanding support network in this process.
When we refer to social support in the fight against trichotillomania, we are talking about the importance of having the understanding and support of friends, family, coworkers, and healthcare professionals. Feeling supported by a solid social structure can alleviate the frequent sense of isolation in those suffering from the disorder.
Support groups, for example, are powerful spaces for welcoming and sharing experiences. The simple fact of knowing that there are others going through the same situation can help reduce anxiety. Knowing the story of someone who managed to control the urge to pull their hair is highly encouraging.
Open dialogue and education are also fundamental. Understanding that trichotillomania is a mental disorder and not just a “bad habit” can foster empathy and understanding. Additionally, this understanding can contribute to the destigmatization of the disorder.
In the end, social support is an indispensable resource in the treatment of trichotillomania. After all, having the support of people who care and are willing to help can make all the difference in the journey to overcome this disorder.
How hypnosis can help control trichotillomania
Studies and evidence have shown that hypnosis can be a powerful ally for individuals seeking to control “trichotillomania hair pulling”. This is where our work as hypnotherapists comes in, in the quest to provide well-being and quality of life for these individuals.
Hypnosis acts by directing attention, inducing relaxation, and making suggestions accessible. In this way, it helps change compulsive behaviors, such as hair-pulling.
By bringing awareness to the act, often performed unconsciously, hypnosis allows the person affected by this disorder to reflect on the behavior and create strategies to prevent it.
Through suggestions during the session, the hypnotherapist can help the person create healthy substitutes for the compulsive behavior of pulling hair. Guidance for managing stress and anxiety – often triggers for trichotillomania – can also be reiterated during hypnosis.
It is worth noting, however, that hypnosis is a complementary tool that should be used by trained professionals and as part of a comprehensive treatment, alongside approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication, when recommended by a healthcare professional.
With empathy and dedication, it is possible to contribute greatly to the quality of life of those suffering from trichotillomania.
How you can help people with trichotillomania
Since we are talking about trichotillomania hair pulling, understand that you have the opportunity to help people overcome this challenge. And clinical hypnosis, combined with other evidence-based health practices, can be the key in this process.
One of the most effective ways to help is by offering support and understanding. It is essential that people with trichotillomania hair pulling do not feel judged or misunderstood, so a respectful and welcoming approach is fundamental.
You can encourage a routine of self-care, such as physical exercise and relaxing activities. These rewrite behavior patterns by stimulating healthy thoughts and helping the person resist the impulses to pull their hair.
In parallel, clinical hypnosis can be highly effective. With it, it is possible to access people’s automatic behaviors, focus on changing the interpretation of the environment, and reducing the intensity of hair-pulling impulses. It helps reframe thoughts and feelings related to the act of pulling hair, assisting in creating new responses to these triggers.
And remember: it is entirely possible to help people with trichotillomania hair pulling. Be patient, understand the challenges they face, and use clinical hypnosis as a tool in this journey.
Conclusion: Control of trichotillomania through clinical hypnosis
This article addressed some fundamental points about “trichotillomania hair pulling”, a mental health challenge that significantly affects the lives of those who suffer from it. It explained what trichotillomania is, how it is diagnosed, and the available conventional treatment options.
We highlighted the importance of social support in this matter and discussed the crucial role of clinical hypnosis as a therapeutic tool to control this compulsion. We explored how hypnosis can help manage the impulse to pull hair, relieve anxiety and stress, as well as its potential in restructuring thoughts and behaviors related to trichotillomania.
You, as a professional, have the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by this disorder.
Therefore, if you are interested in enhancing your knowledge and skills in clinical hypnosis to assist in relieving the symptoms of “trichotillomania hair pulling”, we at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis have the training and postgraduate courses in evidence-based hypnosis that you are looking for. Click here to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can clinical hypnosis completely cure trichotillomania?
Clinical hypnosis is a therapeutic tool that can greatly assist in controlling the symptoms of trichotillomania, but it should not be seen as a definitive cure. Each individual responds to treatment differently, and while many show significant improvement, others may require a combination of treatments.
2. What training is needed to perform clinical hypnosis?
To perform clinical hypnosis, it is necessary to have appropriate and specific training in this area. There are training and postgraduate courses in clinical hypnosis that teach the correct techniques and methods for applying hypnosis as a therapeutic tool.
3. Can anyone be hypnotized?
Many people are susceptible to hypnosis, but this can vary from individual to individual. Hypnosis is about concentration and cooperation, so if the person is willing and open, the chances of being hypnotized are high.
4. What should be done when clinical hypnosis is not enough to control trichotillomania?
If clinical hypnosis is not enough to control trichotillomania, it is recommended to seek a healthcare professional to discuss other treatment options. This may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
5. Can clinical hypnosis harm a person?
When performed by a trained professional and ethically, hypnosis is considered a safe and effective method. However, as with any therapeutic approach, it is important to discuss any potential concerns with your therapist before starting treatment.
