[Aquablue]

Hello,

I am reaching out for some help/guidance.

Last night I was watching TV with my daughter and she simply asked "how do I stop pulling the hair out of my eyebrows?" I have always noticed, since he was really little, that she "twirled" her eyebrows like others would do their hair and really paid no mind to it. I had absolutely no idea that she was pulling out her hair and for her to bring this up I knew it was really bothering her and occupying a lot of her attention and energy.

She showed me the in the mirror where she had been pulling out her hair and that she noticed her eyebrows were uneven and wanted to stop. She told me that this began when she was just in her teens and doesn't remember why or anything that really stressed her out that made her start. She told me that since her eyebrows are not looking right she started with her eyelashes and even the back of her hair (however she said she leaves that alone because she can't really get it). Last night she tried using yarn strands to twirl and I told her that whatever she tries in place of it at first will take time to become a habit.

We searched the internet and read stories about people who have Trichotillomania and she seemed to get worried that there wasn't an answer out there for her other than medication. I also took note that many doctors don't seem to know a lot about this and treatments. Some places referred to Trichotillomania as an OCD and others as an ICD.

I worry that if I don't help her in the right way what will replace this? Sidenote: her twin brother has Autism and we have spent years working with him to meet his sensory needs. I have found that when one of his sensory motivated activities is modified he needs to develop another one to meet his needs.

I just would like your input in what alternative options there are that have worked, what supportive words I can say to her and some inspiration that she can beat this. I told her how happy I am that she talked to me about this and that we'll figure it out.

Thank you

[CobolCapsule]

I personally can't identify with it, but there seems to be some therapy or medications that might work.

Here is a link to mayo clinic, which is probably the best source for information on just about anything in the medical field.

Good luck

Treatment - Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) - Mayo Clinic

[Skeezyks]

Hello Aquablue: I've been a hair puller for many years. I'm sorry to report I've never managed to break myself of the habit. I simply try to keep it down to a manageable level. That's all I can say...

[tradika]

How they actually label it isn't that important. If your daughter is distressed by it, take her to a therapist and see if they can help her with this problem. They may suggest that she see a psychiatrist later, but therapy is always a good starting point. Also, don't let the internet scare you. The internet isn't a qualified mental health professional, but therapists and psychiatrists are.

Have you sought psychiatric help yet?

Start with your family doctor. They will assess the situation and make a referral as neccessary.

[Aquablue]

I did talk to a psychiatrist and she has started taking N-Acetyl Cysteine 1200mg twice a day. She says she puts the stress on herself to keep up her grades so hopefully this helps. Thanks again.