trichilomania

i am 15 years od. i have been picking my hair for over a year now. do i have trichilomania (a condition where you constantly pick your hair.) i have lost a lot of hair on my head; about half of my hair has gone, leaving my hair really short. my firnds and family think it is just abad habit that i can get out of, but i find it staisfying, and hard to control. do i have trichilomania? please be truthful.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Yes, there is every indication that you have an impulse control disorder called trichotillomania. This is a treatable condition and, if the diagnosis is confirmed, you would benefit from a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. It will be imprtant for you  to have an evaluation by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist as soon as possible so you can get your treatment underway. Please ask your parents to help you with this.

[StrictlyTopSecret]

Yes, it is certainly possible that you have trichotillomania. The good news, is that there is help available for those who suffer from this impulse control disorder. There are cognitive and behavioral techniques that a therapist can teach you which will help you take control of this behavior. It needn't control your life.

I really encourage you to speak frankly with Mom and Dad about your concerns. Let them know how long it has been going on, and that you feel it is out of your control. Ask them to arrange an appointment with an adolescent psychologist who can help you conquer this problem.

Best of luck,
Michele