Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling) Support Group

I really think you are at a point in your life where therapy might help--if you find a good therapist. Not sure what kind of health coverage you have or don't have but you should be clear that you'd prefer to have one that specializes in trichotillmania. It might be hard to actually have those words come out of your mouth but try it! You are not alone in this behavior and you should not feel ashamed, etc. I finally found someone I am okay talking to and started medication; Zoloft. They both have been a huge help to me at this time. Everyone is different. The first step is admitting you have a problem then start to find what might work for you and try and try and try again. Whatever it takes. I truly believe it's easier to combat this at a younger age since you won't have so many years behind you; as I do. It's always easier to fight an addiction sooner rather than later.

Lots of woman wear cute hats and scarfs to help hide the hair loss. Perhaps you can use these tools until you can afford a good wig. Hang in there! I hope you are able to vocalize your condition to your family soon. Perhaps with more information and knowledge about the condition might make it easier to discuss it with them. It's nice to have family support if you can.

We are here for you now too!!

Absolutely, positively start therapy. Behavioral Modification is the usual therapy for trich (I'm a therapist and a patient. I've been pulling my eyelashes and eyebrows for over 50 years). Wellbutrin is also very helpful. I've been reading elsewhere in this forum about a supplement called NAC that you can buy at the health food store. I'm getting some tomorrow.
Compulsions are hard to deal with....they are different from addictions as most are based in an imbalance in brain chemistry (which also causes anxiety..trich and anxiety usually go hand in hand). Unfortunately, there is no "test" available to tell what neurotransmitter might not be firing right, which is why doctors have to "try" medicines to see which work. Interview the therapist. If you don't like her/him, find someone else. Relationship with your therapist is VERY important and if you don't like them, you won't trust them. Good luck!!!

CarolAC, I also take Wellbutrin along with Prestiq. Do you think it's okay to take the NAC along with these meds? I can't ask my doctor as he doesn't know about my trich problem. I also don't think either of these meds help with my trich AT ALL!!!

ive had trich since i was 7, now im 23. i wear a wig. it's not that bad. like wearing a pretty hat that you can cut and style(without all the yucky heat on a hot day). the human ones are kinda pricy. mine was $200. but trust me it's worth it. i wear a headband to keep it more secure, and it hides the lack of hair line on the top of my head. get one with combs too, those also help secure it. if you cant afford a human wig, try synthetic ones just to get a feel for it. they arent expensive, and they get the job done. good luck. keep us posted. xoxo