Q: Which doctor should I consult for trichotillomania?
A: You should consult your family physician first, who will evaluate the condition and refer you to a psychiatrist depending upon the severity.
Q: When should I see a doctor?
A: If the condition begins to affect your social life or daily routine and if you are developing complications such as baldness, it is time to seek help.
Q: Is trichotillomania an anxiety disorder?
A: It is not an anxiety disorder; where the main symptoms are stress and fear, trichotillomania is considered to be far more complex as most individuals don't even realize they are pulling their hair.
Q: Is trichotillomania treatable?
A: Yes. It requires psychotherapy, behavior modification therapy, as well as pharmacotherapy.
Q: Why does trichotillomania happen?
A: It is primarily a mental disorder that occurs due to an imbalance of the neurochemicals in the brain.
Q: How can a trichotillomania patient help himself/herself?
A: Besides taking professional help, a trichotillomania patient can self-motivate one’s self by consciously controlling the urges, practicing relaxation techniques and doing meditation.
Q: Does trichotillomania mean that patients are manic, as in a bipolar disorder?
A: No. Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder, and unrelated to trichotillomania. Trichotillomania is predominantly an Impulse Control Disorder.
