How do I stop my hair from pulling OCD?

Things you can try yourself

1. squeeze a stress ball or something similar.
2. form a ball with your fist and tighten the muscles in that arm.
3. use a fidget toy.
4. wear a bandana or a tight fitting hat, such as a beanie.
5. come up with a saying that you repeat out loud until the urge to pull passes.

Can OCD cause trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania can occur in conjunction with a variety of conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Should you go to therapy for trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania, also called compulsive hair pulling, is a very treatable condition. It is typically addressed through behavioral therapy. The right therapist can help a person quit the hair-pulling behavior and address any underlying emotional concerns.

Can hair grow back after trichotillomania?

In cases of trichotillomania — a condition in which a person frequently pulls out hair from their scalp or elsewhere on their body and feels powerless to stop — the repeated damage to their hair follicle can slow hair growth. If a follicle has been damaged, it may take 2 to 4 years for new hair to grow back.

What type of therapy is best for trichotillomania?

Psychotherapy. Research has found Habit Reversal Training, a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to be very effective for treating trichotillomania. It is the treatment of choice for this condition.

Can anxiety meds help trichotillomania?

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Several studies have examined SSRIs in treating trichotillomania and skin picking. The SSRIs include: fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), and paroxetine (Paxil).

Why does hair-pulling feel good?

Experts think the urge to pull hair happens because the brain’s chemical signals (called neurotransmitters) don’t work properly. This creates the irresistible urges that lead people to pull their hair. Pulling the hair gives the person a feeling of relief or satisfaction.