Trichotillomania can be an exhausting psychiatric condition for those affected by it, characterized by repeated hair pulling. Although there are a variety of cognitive behavioral therapies to help combat this psychiatric condition, these therapies are not helpful for everyone suffering from trichotillomania. As such, relapse is common, and more treatment options need to be available (Brauer & Grant, 2017)
A report by Brauer and Grant (2017) explores the efficacy of another therapy option in which the patient engages in a therapy similar to exposure therapy for OCD. The individual examines their hair-pulling behavior and patterns, and then is asked to select a hair that would invoke a strong urge to pull, and then hold and observe the hair (without pulling) until the urge decreases. This therapy serves to prevent the reinforcement of pulling one’s hair. Patients are suggested to practice this therapy in environments where they are most likely to pull their hair. This approach was proven very helpful in two case studies conducted by Brauer and Grant (2017).
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