Posted by Janice1 on January 13, 2001, at 18:15:13
In reply to Re: TRICHOTILLOMANIA » Chellise Scranton, posted by judy1 on January 13, 2001, at 14:04:35
> Dear Chellise,
I've had this since I was 5 years old (I am now 35). Although I've heard what Judy said and consider this could very well be true for many people, I've considered my trichotillomania to be a coping mechanism for my undiagnosed ADHD and later at puberty manic depression.
The good news is that once I've treated those two disorders, I'm pulling, at most, 2 hairs a months - effortlessly.
I'm not certain which disorder the trich is more closely related to for me - my guess would be the ADHD. All my hair has grown back perfectly normal. I believe the hair touching is to centre my mind, a type of meditation for when my mind gets out of control. Something solid to feel in my unstable world.
Now my hair is nice and long and I run my fingers through it as a way of centering myself. My only advice is to find the right disorder, and not to be afraid to try medication for ADHD or bipolar disorder (if these could be a possibility for you).
Janice
poster:Janice1
thread:9431
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010111/msgs/51634.html