Help for Hair Pullers

by Keuthen, Nancy J., Ph.D.; Stein, Dan J.; Christensen, Gary A., M.D.

• ISBN13: 9781572242326
• ISBN10: 1572242329
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-03-01
• Publisher: New Harbinger Pubns Inc

Summary

Trichotillomania is an obsessive-compulsive disorder that makes people pull out their hair. It starts in young teens as a comfort mechanism, but soon the habit itself becomes a source of anxiety, causing noticeable hair loss. This self-help guide reviews the medications and techniques used to control the condition, and provides guidance to sufferers.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	vii
Introduction	1	(10)
The Cases of Sally and Jason
Hair Pulling Is a Hidden but Very Common Problem
Shame and Embarrassment
The Origins of the Word ``Trichotillomania''
Why Interest in Trichotillomania Has Grown
The Promise of the Future for Hair Pulling
How This Book Will Help You
Symptoms of Hair Pulling	11	(16)
Who Develops Hair Pulling?
Where Do People Pull Hair From?
Trichophagy: The Eating of Hair
How Long Does Hari Pulling Persist?
Other Associated Behaviors
Psychological Effects of Hair Pulling
Medical Complications of Hair Pulling
Assessing Your Hair-Pulling Pattern	27	(30)
Assessing Hair-Pulling Severity
Assessing Hair-Pulling Triggers
Significant Others' Report of Hair Pulling
The Role of Stress in Symptom Worsening
Other Psychological or Emotional Problems Associated with Hair Pulling
Family History of Hair Pulling
Impact on Social Relationships
What Causes Hair Pulling?	57	(12)
Stress and Hair Pulling
Hair Pulling and Symbolic Meanings
Parents and Children
Family History of Hair Pulling
Serotonin and Other Brain Chemicals
The Basal Ganglia and Grooming Disorders
Streptococcal Infection and Hair Pulling
Medications for Hair Pulling	69	(12)
The Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Side Effects, Doses, and Durations
Lithium and Naltrexone
Augmentation Strategies
Managing Side Effects
Should I Be Taking Medication?
Psychological Treatments for Hair Pulling	81	(18)
What Is Behavior Therapy?
How Are Behavioral Principles Used in Practice?
What Is Cognitive Therapy?
How Does Cognitive Therapy Work in Practice?
What About Hypnosis?
What About Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?
Research to Date
How Do You Choose Among the Available Treatments?
Starting to Use Behavior Therapy Techniques	99	(18)
Enhancing Motivation
Increasing Awareness
Maintaining Awareness and Motivation
Getting Behavioral Techniques to Work for You	117	(30)
Use of Competing Responses
Stimulus Control Techniques
Setting Goals
Use Of Reinforcement Strategies
Use of Additional Consequences
Relaxation and Breathing Techniques
Cognitive Strategies
Relapse Prevention
Other Kinds of Help	147	(10)
Consumer Organizations
Internet Virtual Groups
Dietary Approaches to Treatment
Finding a Mental Health Professional
Dealing with Hairdressers
Wigs and Hairpieces
Friends and Family (To Tell or Not to Tell)
Advice for Families and Friends	157	(12)
Myths About Hair Pulling
What Not to Say to People with Hair Pulling
What to Say to People with Hair Pulling
Children with Hair Pulling	169	(12)
Very Early Onset Hair Pulling
Later Onset Hair Pulling
Assessment of Children
Causes of Childhood Hair Pulling
Treatments for Children
Advice for Parents
References	181