Please help I suffer from Trichotillomania!!!?

Question

I've been suffering from trichotillomania since i was 12 I am now 20 and it has gotten worse. For people that have not heard about this its the urge to pull your own hair out.The only hair i pull is on the top of my head. I am now wearing a wig because of it. I feel so bad after i see my head with bald patches.I always have to think to myself that I need to stop so that I never have to were a wig again. The only person that knows about my problem is my boyfrind i have been with 4 years now.It is so hard for me to be going through this.I dont have the money to buy real expensive wigs the one i use cost me $22 and it is getting king of damaged from the back now.I also have real low self-esteem.A lot of people say im beautiful but they havent seem the real me. I know that I should go to a doctor or something but I have heard it doesn't always work for everyone to get help.It is too emmbarresing for me to tell anybody about this problem. I sometimes think it will never end because i am always so stressed out i have a 2 year old with cerebral palsy. I would appreciate any advise. Please tell me about the way you handled it and what you did for your hair to grow out faster?What kind of doctor should i see? can my family doctor put me on some type of medication? this is a picture of me without trich ( or with a wig disguising it i should say) http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee63/tiradolani/tn-1.jpg

Answer 1

My 4 year old suffers from this and the only suggestion from her ped was to put her on meds.  He said it is a comfort thing.  kind of like a nervous habit-( We have no idea what she is nervous about, she does it all the time even when it is just us at home alone doing nothing but watching tv) He told us first to try and keep her away from bothersome situations, but we have no idea what made her start in the first place.  I refused to have her put on meds because she is so young, but as an adult you may yourself choose to go and try it.  

Answer 2

yes you should see your family doctor and they could help you decide what is best or help you find more help