i pull my hair out.. dont worry, not as bad as it sounds ha!
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free skin care · Wed Mar 01, 2006 6:25 pm

okay, i don't know if anybody has heard of this, but i do this really weird thing where i feel around on my scalp and actually look for single hairs that feel coarse/"nappy"/not smooth. and then i pull them out at the root! it's a weird, not-so-satisfying, sense of satisfaction. i usually do this without even realizing i'm doing it. i also pick and bite my finger nails without realizing it either, which i've been doing since i was 8 or 9. the hair thing i've been doing for about a year. is this some kind of psychological thing?

free skin care · Wed Mar 01, 2006 6:28 pm

I dunno about the hair pulling but I was a chronic nail bitter for over 10 years. I'd stop but as soon as I got stressed out again I'd start right back at it. The thing that helped me was using nailtiques. It made my nails stronger, and since the stuff cost $20 I didn't want to waste it by biting it all off.

I'm sure it's psychological. Do you do it all the time or when you're stressed?

free skin care · Wed Mar 01, 2006 7:01 pm

jamie630 wrote:

okay, i don't know if anybody has heard of this, but i do this really weird thing where i feel around on my scalp and actually look for single hairs that feel coarse/"nappy"/not smooth. and then i pull them out at the root! it's a weird, not-so-satisfying, sense of satisfaction. i usually do this without even realizing i'm doing it. i also pick and bite my finger nails without realizing it either, which i've been doing since i was 8 or 9. the hair thing i've been doing for about a year. is this some kind of psychological thing?

I have heard of this, had a friend in high school (about 10 eons ago) that had this problem. I included the "definition" of this and the link if you care to read more about it.

Trichotillomania (TTM) – Compulsive Hair Pulling
INTRODUCTION
Trichotillomania (TTM), a condition of chronic hair pulling resulting in alopecia was first recognised by the Greek physician Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. However, it was the French dermatologist Franςois Henri Hallopeau, who in 1889 first described the characteristics of this disorder.

TTM is derived from the Greek words Trich (hair), tillo (to pull) and mania (an abnormal love for an object, place or action). Today, TTM is classified as an Impulse Control Disorder affecting up to 3% of the population; sub - clinical forms may affect one in ten. There is, however, uncertainty over these figures, as most remain secretive to their condition. Tragically, for most, TTM is chronic and spontaneous remission rare; most feel guilty, ashamed and believe they alone suffer TTM. The condition has until recently been almost entirely ignored by the medical profession.

TTM may have its onset at any age; middle childhood or early adolescence is however the norm. Males have an earlier age of onset (9.8 + 6.6) than females -12.5 + 5.8 - years. When TTM occurs before the age of five, known as baby tricks, spontaneous recovery can occur. In early onset TTM, the condition is more common in males however at puberty there is a ten - fold increase in the prevalence of TTM in females.

http://www.pamguide.com.au/anxiety/ttm.php

free skin care · Wed Mar 01, 2006 8:20 pm

Candy, that was very helpful. I read through some of the information on their website and I definitely have the minor symptoms..

"The most common site is the scalp followed by eyelashes, eyebrows, pubic area."

"Many select specific hairs to pluck based on hair length, colour, or texture."

"Prior to pulling, an increasing sense of tension occurs that is difficult to resist.
A sense of pleasure, relief or gratification occurs following the pulling."

this couldn't be more true. thankfully, i've never felt the desire to do anything orally with the hair. i sort of just discard it. wow! now i feel so special and unique that i'm a part of this 3% of the population! YAY! Rolling Eyes

now i'll have something to talk about at my upcoming doctor appointment! excellent timing!

but in all seriousness, it's great to know that i can talk about these embaressing things, and still remain semi-anonymous. thanks again Candy. i really appreciate the help.

free skin care · Wed Mar 01, 2006 8:32 pm

jamie630 wrote:

Candy, that was very helpful. I read through some of the information on their website and I definitely have the minor symptoms..

"The most common site is the scalp followed by eyelashes, eyebrows, pubic area."

"Many select specific hairs to pluck based on hair length, colour, or texture."

"Prior to pulling, an increasing sense of tension occurs that is difficult to resist.
A sense of pleasure, relief or gratification occurs following the pulling."

this couldn't be more true. thankfully, i've never felt the desire to do anything orally with the hair. i sort of just discard it. wow! now i feel so special and unique that i'm a part of this 3% of the population! YAY! Rolling Eyes

now i'll have something to talk about at my upcoming doctor appointment! excellent timing!

but in all seriousness, it's great to know that i can talk about these embaressing things, and still remain semi-anonymous. thanks again Candy. i really appreciate the help.

Glad it helped. I'm sure if you "Googled" the disorder you will find alot of helpful information. Good luck at the Doc {shudder} I HATE doctors...big bad needles...

free skin care · Thu Mar 02, 2006 1:37 am

From what I've encountered people suffering from Trichotillomania usually end up with bald patches on their scalp, so it sounds like if this is what you have it's pretty minor. If it is something that bothers you why not make an appointment with a therapist? The cases I've seen have been stress-induced, so it's something that can possibly be worked through with therapy.

free skin care · Thu Mar 02, 2006 11:54 am

chimera -- i'm one step ahead of you Smile

Sat Mar 11, 2006 10:13 am

Not sure if this helps, but I have had TTM for as long as I can remember - although it wasn't until about 10 years ago that I found out it was an actual disease and that it had a medical name! Somehow that made me feel a bit better even though there is no true cure. There are websites for TTM sufferers that offer tips on how to curb the impulse or at least make you aware of situations/emotions that may trigger it. There are usually feelings of self-disgust and shame that follow a severe hair pulling session - with the solemn vow never to succumb again. I have never pulled the hair on my head, but my poor eyebrows and lashes take the brunt of all my pulling - much harder to hide, but it can be done. I can be a very good girl for weeks at a time, but inevitably I end up yanking. Good luck with your therapy, if that is the route you choose to go.

Thu Mar 16, 2006 12:15 pm

I've struggled with trich since i was about 11 years old(i'm 30 now). I used to really sulk over it. THere are times where it gets bad and i find myself pulling out a lot and I end up with a few quarter sized bald spots. It's always in areas where people can't tell. But I haven't pulled my hair out like that in years. I've tried medication but it didn't do anything. I have found that exercising is the only thing that has ever helped. I trained for a marathon last year and I didn't pull my hair out once in that 6 month period! I've come to the conclusion that if I don't find ways to relieve that extra stress(exercise!), I will pull my hair out.

Thu Mar 16, 2006 12:59 pm

Congrats on going so long without pulling! And for competing in a marathon - way to go. I know I have made it through some considerable time periods as well. For years, I have also been on an intense exercise regimen, and I'm sure that helps. My TTM doesn't seem to be directly related to stress though, so I can be caught completely unaware by almost unconscious pulling! Shock

For example, while on the phone or even just reading a book. Have to be 'on guard' against these seemingly innocent moments. However, I have become much more accepting and have learned to deal with it - for the most part. Smile

A couple of years ago, I certainly would have never admitted to having TTM - even on an anonymous forum!

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