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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
Hair pulling
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Jun 07, 2000 12:00AM
, Jun 07, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Ms. Whittington,
Such behavior, referred to as trichotillomania, is a type of impulse control disorder. My guess is that the child tugs, pulls, twists, etc. her hair as a form of self-soothing when she is in her bed.
This behavior can be particularly difficult to change, at least on the short term. If the child has some object, such as a blanket or stuffed animal, that can help her feel comfortable, it can help.
Is she under any sort of overt, obvious stress? This can bring on the behavior, or at least exacerbate it.
Another possible cause for pulling hair is distress at bedtime, when some children are angry and frustrated and pull their hair as an expression of their rage. This is different from trichotillomania, and generally stops as children become adjusted to falling asleep on their own.
Such behavior, referred to as trichotillomania, is a type of impulse control disorder. My guess is that the child tugs, pulls, twists, etc. her hair as a form of self-soothing when she is in her bed.
This behavior can be particularly difficult to change, at least on the short term. If the child has some object, such as a blanket or stuffed animal, that can help her feel comfortable, it can help.
Is she under any sort of overt, obvious stress? This can bring on the behavior, or at least exacerbate it.
Another possible cause for pulling hair is distress at bedtime, when some children are angry and frustrated and pull their hair as an expression of their rage. This is different from trichotillomania, and generally stops as children become adjusted to falling asleep on their own.
