Everything to Know About Trichotillomania and Dermatillomania
Trichotillomania and dermatillomania are two related disorders that are characterised by the repetitive pulling out of one's own hair or skin, respectively. While these behaviours may seem strange or self-destructive to those who don't experience them, for those who do, they can be incredibly difficult to resist and can have serious consequences on a person's physical and mental health.
Here's everything you need to know about trichotillomania and dermatillomania.
What Is Trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder, is a condition in which a person feels an overwhelming urge to pull out their own hair. This can include hair on the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes, as well as other areas of the body such as the arms, legs, and pubic area. Trichotillomania is classified as a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB), which means it is characterized by repetitive behaviors that a person feels driven to perform and that cause significant distress or impairment in their daily life.
What Is Dermatillomania?
Dermatillomania, also known as skin-picking disorder, is a condition in which a person feels an overwhelming urge to pick at their own skin. This can include picking at pimples or scabs, or digging into the skin to extract blackheads or other impurities. Like trichotillomania, dermatillomania is classified as a BFRB and can cause significant distress or impairment in a person's daily life.
What Causes Trichotillomania and Dermatillomania?
The exact cause of trichotillomania and dermatillomania is not fully understood, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Research suggests that these conditions may be related to abnormal functioning in certain brain pathways that are involved in impulse control and emotion regulation. Stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions may trigger or worsen hair-pulling or skin-picking behaviors in people who are predisposed to these conditions.
How Are Trichotillomania and Dermatillomania Diagnosed?
Trichotillomania and dermatillomania are diagnosed based on a combination of an individual's self-reported symptoms and observations made by a mental health professional.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is the primary resource used by mental health professionals to diagnose and classify mental health disorders, including trichotillomania and dermatillomania (skin-picking disorder). According to the DSM-5, the diagnostic criteria for trichotillomania and dermatillomania are as follows:
Recurrent pulling out of one's own hair, resulting in hair loss, or recurrent skin picking resulting in skin lesions.
An increasing sense of tension immediately before pulling out the hair or picking the skin, or when attempting to resist the behavior.
Pleasure, gratification, or relief when pulling out the hair or picking the skin
The hair-pulling or skin picking is not a result of a general medical condition (e.g. a dermatologic condition).
The hair-pulling or skin picking is not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. trichotillomania may occur as a symptom of another disorder such as body dysmorphic disorder, dermatillomania may occur as a symptom of another disorder such as obsessive-compulsive disorder).
To receive a diagnosis of trichotillomania or dermatillomania, an individual must meet all of the above criteria and the hair-pulling or skin picking must cause significant distress or impairment in their daily life.
It's important to note that trichotillomania and dermatillomania can be difficult to diagnose because people who struggle with these conditions may be ashamed or embarrassed about their behaviors and may be hesitant to seek help.
How Are Trichotillomania and Dermatillomania Treated?
Treatment for trichotillomania and dermatillomania typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and self-help strategies. The most effective treatment approach for these conditions is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of therapy that helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Other types of therapy that may be helpful include habit reversal training (HRT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and mood stabilizers may also be helpful in reducing hair-pulling or skin-picking behaviors. In some cases, these medications may be used in combination with therapy.
What To Do If You Think You Have Trichotillomania or Dermatillomania
If you think you may have trichotillomania or dermatillomania, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. These conditions can have serious consequences on a person's physical and mental health, and getting treatment can make a significant difference in managing the disorder and improving quality of life.
Here are some steps you can take if you think you have trichotillomania or dermatillomania:
Talk to your doctor: Your primary care doctor can help you understand your symptoms and determine if you need to see a mental health professional for further evaluation.
Find a mental health professional: Look for a licensed therapist or counselor who has experience treating trichotillomania and dermatillomania. You can search online directories or ask your doctor for recommendations.
Learn about treatment options: Educate yourself about the different treatment options available for trichotillomania and dermatillomania, including therapy, medication, and self-help strategies. This can help you make informed decisions about your treatment.
Be honest with your therapist: It can be difficult to talk about your hair-pulling or skin-picking behaviors, but it's important to be open and honest with your therapist. This will help them understand your struggles and develop an effective treatment plan.
Seek support: Trichotillomania and dermatillomania can be isolating conditions, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. Consider joining a support group or connecting with others who have these conditions to find support and encouragement.
Remember, trichotillomania and dermatillomania are treatable conditions, and with the right support and treatment, it is possible to manage these disorders and improve your quality of life.
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Hana Ames is a cat mama, feminist, enjoys cooking, playing board games and drinking cocktails. She has been writing professionally for since 2018 and has a degree in English literature. Her website is www.hrawriting.com and she is always interested in discussing new projects. Catch her on Twitter @hrawriting and Facebook: www.facebook.com/hrawriting
