Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling) Support Group

These questions are research-related. Pure curiosity. I would love to hear feedback, please. I should also say: I understand the following statements and questions are controversial. But in my eyes, they are valid and necessary in understanding this disorder.
Here goes:

I have a number of questions concerning trichotillomania, specifically: what prevents us from stopping. Why can't we stop pulling?
I understand fully that every individual is unique in terms of their biological makeup - certain individuals are more prone to certain behaviours i.e. pulling. However, to what extent does the biology control our actions? Do we have complete control of our actions? I like to think we do.
The use of physical barriers to prevent pulling (hats for instance) must surely stop the behaviour. The creation of such a powerful addiction takes time to form. From the initial action, good feeling which is produced and subsequent repetition - to the biological, psychological 'urges' produced, takes time. Some people develop trichotillomania at the age of around 16 / 17 - do they consider their actions? At this stage - they should recognize their behaviour as unusual and strange. They should also be capable of recognizing the effects both on themselves, friends and family. Having a child ‘self harm’ can be hugely draining on a family – leading to anxiety on their part. I would expect (especially if the family has noticed and is trying stop prevent them) them to feel inclined to stop. It definitely demands concentration, motivation and control. I have resisted every temptation to pull for the last 3 weeks. I guess I came to the realization that the behaviour and subsequent effects would, in the long-run, exacerbate any feelings of self-loathing, stress and anxiety. In addition – the entire concept was unfair on my family. I felt guilty. As I should have felt. It wasn’t fair. I was being selfish. It would lead me to have a total lack of control – I would be weak. My biology would determine what I do. I figure this is a scary thought – the reason I’ve never smoked a cigarette. The reason I was able to resist is simple! I wore a balaclava. An example of a physical barrier. There was no way I would be able to pull – every time I reached, I would realize and I would stop. Because I wanted to. Sure, it took tenacity. But when I want something – I work for it. And I get it. I wanted this – this freedom – this complete control. I got it. So – when people say they’ve ‘tried every possible treatment’ and nothing’s worked. I find it hard to believe that their hands ‘bypassed’ the brain, removed the barrier and pulled. Without the ‘sufferer’ noticing. I question therefore how badly people want to end this behaviour. I am proof that you only need tenacity, will and perseverance to reach your intended goal. Why can’t others? I’ve realized – although it’s taken a while – that there are other ways of ‘freeing’ your negative feelings.
I must also question social and environmental impacts of trichotillomania sufferers. Internet ‘chatrooms’ and other social networking sites along with the NHS in England, brings together people with similar issues. The prevalence of those suffering from trichotillomania is extremely high in regions of the world with such support systems. Therefore – is the intended aim backfiring? In a normal situation, when a child develops a behaviour that doesn’t coincide with society’s values – they get bullied. It gets noticed. The child then learns to adapt their behaviour to fit in. That’s human nature. And it works. Also, evolution supposedly 'knocks off' unproductive behaviours - the idea behind 'healthy-looking individuals having a higher probability of finding the ideal mate' is contradicted by statistics today. So, does support in fact perpetuate certain behaviours by creating in-groups for those suffering? An in-group is defined as: a social group to which a person psychologically identifies themselves as a member. Similarities are found. For many trichotillomania sufferers – the similarity is huge as the disorder has an incredible effect on their lives. Therefore – is there not an element of normalcy which has been created? Would this not effectively ‘ok’ the behaviour. It’s normal that when others do as you do – the mind automatically labels it as normal – to a certain extent. I wonder whether this is happening.
I have a good friend I’ve known for several years. She’s nearly bald. I’ve never seen her try and stop. No barriers, no distractions, no counselling, no nothing. Due to stress – it’s got worse. She can’t go 1 minute without touching her hair – in addition she never talks about it. I question why. Why she makes NO attempt at stopping. This ultimately suggests to me – she’s accepted it. That because she has an addictive personality and has ‘urges’ that there is no hope in trying? That she’s given up. I find the entire thing rather traumatic. This, in turn – makes me angry. I care about her – but see a lack of effort and thought when it comes to her actions.
I wonder what your thoughts are – do you think it’s entirely biologically determined. That when you develop such a compulsive disorder – that you have NO control whatsoever. Or is there an element of ‘effort’ lacking.
Thank you for taking time to read this.
Posted on 07/30/12, 07:39 pm