Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania consists of repetitive, uncontrollable pulling of one’s body hair. Most commonly, scalp hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows are pulled, although hair may be pulled from any part of the body. Habit Reversal Training (HRT) and certain types of medication have been shown to be helpful in the treatment of Trichotillomania. The primary behavioral treatment approach for Trichotillomania is Habit Reversal Training (HRT) combined with stress management and behavioral contracting. Treatment begins with self-monitoring of hair-pulling episodes as well as monitoring the feelings and situations that are most likely to lead to hair pulling. Youngsters are then systematically taught a new behavior (for example, squeezing a ball or tightening their fist) to use whenever they feel the urge to pull. Relaxation training and other stress management techniques are also used to cope with hair-pulling urges.