Trichotillomania (Hair-pulling) and Other Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)
Trichotillomania involves repeated pulling out of one’s own hair and unsuccessful attempts to resist or stop pulling, resulting in hair loss and emotional distress. Individuals with trichotillomania may pull hairs from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other areas of the body. Trichotillomania is known as a Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB); other BFRBs include skin-picking and nail-biting. To learn more about trichotillomania and other BFRBs, please click here (http://www.bfrb.org/learn-about-bfrbs/trichotillomania).
Research suggests that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is helpful for individuals with trichotillomania and other BFRBs. A specific type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy used to treat BFRBs is Habit Reversal Training (HRT). The therapist works with the client to increase awareness of BFRBs, identify triggers, develop coping plans for high-risk situations, and learn to resist urges to perform BFRBs through competing response training. The therapist and client may also opt to include family members and loved ones in the treatment process to help support the client’s progress.
Trichotillomania involves repeated pulling out of one’s own hair and unsuccessful attempts to resist or stop pulling, resulting in hair loss and emotional distress. Individuals with trichotillomania may pull hairs from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other areas of the body. Trichotillomania is known as a Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB); other BFRBs include skin-picking and nail-biting. To learn more about trichotillomania and other BFRBs, please click here (http://www.bfrb.org/learn-about-bfrbs/trichotillomania).
Research suggests that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is helpful for individuals with trichotillomania and other BFRBs. A specific type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy used to treat BFRBs is Habit Reversal Training (HRT). The therapist works with the client to increase awareness of BFRBs, identify triggers, develop coping plans for high-risk situations, and learn to resist urges to perform BFRBs through competing response training. The therapist and client may also opt to include family members and loved ones in the treatment process to help support the client’s progress.
