Trichotillomania?

[letfuller]

Has anyone heard of trichotillomania? It is a hair pulling disorder. My DD 12 along with her complete Agenesis of the Corpus Collosum ACC, seizure disorders has this disorder, as well.

What treatments are there? Are there treatments?

 

[bookwormde]

Let me see if I understand what you are asking about, is it that your child makes you pull your hair out or that she is pulling her hair out (sorry for the aspie/neurovariant parent humor).

Like most things with neurovariants, clinician are great at giving them names but somehow understanding these things seams to elude them.

The most likely “reason” is that this is just another maladaptive manifestation, from some combination of anxiety, frustration, and sensory needs and differentials. Like all manefestation redirection to and alternate more benign variety is the best “short term solution”. Long term it is just continuing to work on accomidations and skills so she may “create” her own move more socially acceptable manefestations when needed.

I know this is probably not the focused answer you are looking for but I think it is the most likely

bookwormde

 

[letfuller]

Bookwormde: You stated: "... is it that your child makes you pull your hair out or that she is pulling her hair out!"

Thanks for the humor...so true I am figuratively pulling my hair out. It is so difficult to see the struggles when life could be easier. However, perhaps it is just my vision of an easier life!

We are actually trying to get in to see a child psychiatrist to assist in the modification of anxiety action. WE are just adding to our specialists.

 

[bookwormde]

Another thing that will help if she does not already have one is her own psychologist/therapist/councilor. Of course finding on experience with your child’s special needs will probably take some “looking”. Their different perspective and relationship can be very helpful in identifying and directly reducing anxiety.

bookwormde

 

[Schmeck]

One of my daughter's friends had this - and she was treated successfully with a combination of therapy and medication. Her triggers were actually anticipation and excitement, not stress and anxiety. It started for her in elementary school, and by the end of junior high she was not experiencing any episodes.