Resources for People Suffering from Trichotillomania
By Michael Jenike, M.D.
Trichotillomania can manifest itself as hair pulling, eyelash pulling, eyebrow pulling, or the pulling of any hair on the body. Trichotillomania is probably related to OCD, but is considered to be a different disorder, categorized as an "impulse control disorder." Trichotillomania can be treated with the same SSRI antidepressant medications that are used for OCD, but it is often tougher to treat than OCD, as it is a difficult disorder to get under control. There are behavioral treatments that are often helpful and you should not rely solely on medications. There is a good technique called habit reversal that can help Trich patients.
There is a national organization devoted to helping people with this disorder:
Trichotillomania Learning Center, Inc.
207 McPherson Street, Suite H
Santa Cruz, CA 95060-5863
www.trich.org
Phone: (831) 457-1004
Fax: (831) 426-4383
Email: info@trich.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-4:30pm (PST)
The following materials on are available for purchase from the OC Foundation:
Trichotillomania, A Guide. Jeffrey L. Anders, M.D. and James Jefferson, M.D. (Paperback booklet, 45 pages, 1994).
A comprehensive guide to understanding Trichotillomania.
OCF Member Price: $5.95 Nonmember Price: $7.25
Help for Hair Pullers: Understanding and Coping with Trichotillomania. Nancy J. Keuthen, Ph.D., Dan J. Stein, MD, and Gary A. Christenson. (Paperback, 185 pages, New Harbinger Publications, California, 2001).
Offers step-by-step guidance on getting control of hair pulling for sufferers and the professionals who treat them.
OCF Member Price: $13.95 Nonmember price: $16.75
The Habit Change Workbook. James Claiborn, PhD, ABPP, and Cherry Pedrick, RN (Paperback, 242 pages, New Harbinger Publications, California, 2001).
A step-by-step approach to eliminating a wide range of detrimental and destructive habits.
OCF Member Price: $19.95 Nonmember price: $23.95
The Hair-Pulling Problem: A Complete Guide to Trichotillomania. Fred Penzel, PhD (Hardcover, 351 pages, Oxford University Press, New York, 2003).
This book is a helpful guide for people who suffer from this disorder. It includes a self-help program you design yourself with guidelines to prevent relapse and other helpful resources from internet sites to support groups.
OCF Member Price: $30.00 Nonmember Price: $36.00