Trichtillomania (pulling your own hair out)

alice's_mum

Anyone know anything at all about this. My 5 year old has been doing this on and off for the past 2 years, when she was in nursery it was really bad and she had drew blood with the lumps of hair she pulled out. It seemed to settle down when she started school and she has some understanding that it's not the thing to do; but she knows it's not her fault we "blame" one of her fingers which twists her hair when she's tired. I thought she'd grow out of it, but she's started again although not pulling out at the roots, but snapping great chunks of hair off when she twists it into such tight knots there is not alternative but to break the hair. Her hair is very fine and dry which doesn't help with the breaking.

The Dr has been really good and we've tried ignoring it, different foods are supposed to influence it and we've tried all of these and they do make a difference, but she's still doing it. Dr is now talking about sending her to see a Psychologist(?sp). Should I go along with this or just leave well alone.

Don't know what they might ask her or do to (with) her. As I say she's only 5 and whilst having bald patches isn't what little girlies want; does she need to be "seeing someone".

Sorry to waffle but I don't know what's best now.
Liz

ElegantlyWasted

Personally, I would go to see the psychologist with your little girl. One session won't hurt any, and it is always good to get another perspective. Behavioural therapy is thought to be quite effective in understanding why she is hair pulling, and to try and find a way to stop it.

Do you or anyone else living in your house play with your hair a lot? Children often mimic what those around them are doing; maybe if you actively 'do' things with your hands, she will copy instead of hair-pulling? Similarily, anything 'active' is a good idea, trich sufferers often have short attention spans and hate to be sat still. Hobbies, playing games together, etc may help to keep her occupied.

As trich is a form of self harm, is it possible that she is under stress? Everyone feels stress, even at age 5. It's great that she knows it isn't her fault, as placing blame can lead to guilt and more anxiety.

I've waffled a little, think it's time for my bed! Good luck with it, I really think a session with a psychologist would be a good move to make, but obviously it depends on what is best for you all.

Lisa x

alice's_mum

Thanks Lisa for your comments. She is very active and always colouring or making things, her hands do seem to need to be busy. I'm not a hair fiddler, mines usually really short so nothing to fiddle with (though I do admit to biting my nails sometimes) same sort of thing I think. We definately don't blame her don;t want her to be stressed by doing it - that would be a vicious circle. Hopefully the phsycologist will find a way of helping. Someone mentionied Paul McKenna the hypnotist "cured" a lady of doing this recently - might try him next!!!!

EverDecreasingCircles

I'd definately give the psychologist a go. It really isn't as bad as it sounds, seeing one. Because of her age it'll probably involve a lot of drawing, colouring, playing etc. Nothing too heavy.

Jen x

specialK

I have just googled this and found this site, you may have already came across it

http://www.trichotillomania.co.uk/Parents/small1.htm

I would not make an issue of it though.

HTH

P.S I am a 'trichy' :S
I tend to look for hairs that feel different or that have split ends. It has got better as I have got older, I was screamed at for the hair clogging up the hoover when I was younger
I don't pull it out to the extent of visual bald patches anymore
It was put down to habit until about 10 years ago when there was a TV programme on about it. I like it though, it relaxes me.

alice's_mum

Thanks Specialk, my little one only does it at night or when she's sitting quiet, it obviously relaxes her as well. And as for finding hair that feels different she has sooo many very short very course hairs where she's snapped it from she has a lot to choose from. her hair is very dry though and is prone to breaking so that is a bit of a problem. Will just go for the physcologist and carry on not making too much of a fuss about it. Have tried everything though, she wears a hat in bed as that's when she does it most. Have her hair really well conditioned regular hot waxes to rehydrate the hair and regular trims to keep it looking tidy, but there is no way Al would agree to having her hair short - she is a really girly girl and loves long hair, but doesn't like having it tied up as she is very "head sore" and hates having it brushed or pulled back.

Thanks for all your comments,

Liz