Recommendation and suggestions for trichonomia?

Question

i have a problem with my daughter. She is hyperactive, and with habbit of pulling out her hair especially during early morning.

Answer 1

I'm assuming you are referring to trichotillomania - the psychiatric disorder suffered by children and adults alike where the patient pulls out the hair on their heads.

1.  First, take her to a dermatologist to rule out:

     a,  Androgenetic alopecia

     b. Toxic alopecia

     c. Alopecia areata

     d. Scarring alopecia

    Each of the above is a form of hair loss caused by a

    different factor.  Genetic in one.  Medication reaction

    in another.  Psychological/physical stress in another.

    Excessive hormone in yet another.

2.  If a pediatric [I assume your daughter is under 13]

    dermatologist rules out the above 4 problems, he will

    likely refer you to a psychiatrist.  You need to see a

    (a) BOARD-CERTIFIED; (b) Pediatric/Adolescent

    Psychiatrist; who has (c) treated at least 2-3 cases

    of trichotillomania in the past.

3.  Visit:  www.stophairpulling.com

                www.hairpullingchild.com

     for additional information.

It is treatable, for sure, and much more common than one would believe.  BUT PLEASE RULE OUT THE OTHER POSSIBILITIES.  It can be a tricky diagnosis to make.

Good luck to you!

Barb

Answer 2

Hi!  I work with people who have that disorder and it gets worse with stress.  See a psychologist because it's better if you work with it now.  Letting the problem go into her puberty with this, it will get much worse.  Sometimes they will give her medication to help the triggers.  Pray for her because a Mom's prayers are very powerful.  This comes along with chemical imbalances, not crazy or mentally ill.  It's like diabetes--physical. My clients say that they build up with so much frustration that they feel a release when then pull the hair out.  It's comforting to them.  They must find a way to deal with their anxiety and use the energy to do something constructive.  Don't allow yourself to yell or get mad at her.  It is a disorder and must be dealt with delicately.  Get her to write her feelings down without any one's judgments or get into writing songs.  Something creative will help her feel that she has something to be proud of.  At this point, she really hates what she is doing and wants desperately to feel good and normal.  If she gets no help now and grows up, she always can rely on wigs to help her hide her affliction.  Many girls have this problem.  I find it's usually perfectionists about how they look.  I work with beautiful women, both models and normal pretty girls.  Let her know that others do this also and that you love her no matter what.   Good luck and god Bless!

Answer 3

Take her to the doctor.