Trichotillomania (hair pulling) and Dermatillomania (skin picking) are impulse control disorders that are very similar to OCD and addictive disorders.
These conditions involve a repetitive and compulsive urge to pull one’s hair or to pick one’s own skin during moments of anxiety and distress, which leads to significant damage.
Like OCD, the more you engage in the compulsion to pull or pick in order to relieve the immediate anxiety, the more the anxiety intensifies in the long run. In both trichotillomania and dermotillomania there is a sense of tension before pulling the hair or picking the skin and an immediate gratification or relief during episodes of pulling or picking. This relief lasts briefly and soon after anxiety is exacerbated and tension returns.
What are the Signs
Repeated pulling of hair leading to hair loss
Repeated attempts at quitting
Repeated picking of skin, leading to significant damage
A feeling of tension right before pulling hair or picking skin
Difficulty resisting the urge to pull hair.
A feeling of relief, satisfaction or pleasure, right after the pulling or picking behavior.
Significant distress or impairment in work or social life due to pulling or picking behavior
We can help you:
Decrease picking and pulling behaviors
Learn strategies for managing your anxiety
Decrease procrastination and avoidant behaviors
Build effective and meaningful relationships
Identify your values and what you want your life to be about
Develop techniques for overcoming obstacles to living your values
Cultivate kindness, compassion, and acceptance through mindfulness training
Build a healthy, loving relationship with yourself and your body
Take actions toward your values and the life you want
