Treatment for Tricholomania

I am 20 years old and in my final year at University. Since I was about 14yrs of age I suspected I had Tricholomania after I read an article in the newspaper, I never sought help for it though. The situation had gotten very serious when I started to have very large ovbious bald patches on my head, that raised questions.

I never really stopped pulling my hair, but the situation had gotten better. Now i find myself doing it again. I am going through a break-up with my boyfriend and it's too much to handle, topped with the stresses of my undergraduate thesis.

I sit with my lap top all day working on my project and I get constantly distracted and start pulling my hair. Recently, I had to visit the doctor because I was feeling dizzy to the point that I could barely stand up. My blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol were normal. The doctor diagnosed that i was having anxiety attacks and prescribed Stemetil which he said was an anti-depressant because maybe I needed to calm down. It did work for the dizziness.

I still have a quantity of it, I was wondering If it being an anti-depressant would help me at the moment. I never really paid much attention to whether it actually calmed me down, but it did help with the dizziness. I honestly don't know where to move from here. I think I'd be bald by the end of the year if i can't stop pulling my hair.

[mungies77]

I would try taking it and see what happens... if it calms you down, great! If not, call your doctor so they can give you something that does calm you. Good luck!

[veela_girl]

thanks, will try that...i'll take the meds in the mean time and see my doc as soon as i can..

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi

The exact cause of trichotillomania isnot known. It is believed to be genetic or may be related to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
This is usually aggravated during stress.
It is important to seek medical help which can consist of psychiatric evaluation and behavior therapy. Behnaviour therapy can help persosn ressit the urge to pull hair.
You can also try alternative activities such as squeezing a stress ball etc when you feel the urge to pull hair.

You should not take stemetril for Tricholomania unless it is specifically prescribed for that by a qualified medical professional.

It is important to get medical help early so that appropriate therapy can be started.

Take care and do write in if you need more information.
Regards