How do we treat trich?

Trich is most commonly treated with the cognitive-behavioral model and/or medication. The cognitive-behavioral model involves helping a person to understand the thoughts (cognitions), feelings, and behaviors experienced as a part of hair pulling. Then, high risk situations are identified and strategies for managing urges are introduced.

Medication therapy for trich has yielded differing results. Some studies have found that SSRI medications like Prozac and Paxil are helpful for treating trich, while others do not support the use of these medications. It seems that these medications (anti-depressants) may be effective with individuals who have an underlying depressive or anxiety disorder. More recently, a different class of medication, neuroleptic drugs, has been studied both alone and in conjunction with anti-depressants to determine whether or not this combination is effective. Results are still out regarding this combination of medications. What we do know is that there is, at this point in time, no medication that will permanently take away the urge to pull. Other classes of medication also are being studied, but results are not yet available.

Because many people respond to the cognitive-behavioral approach, we have adapted this model to be used by individuals in the privacy of their home, through a confidential web-based application. StopPulling.com is designed to take you step by step through the process of learning about your individual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, identifying your high risk situations, and teaching coping strategies that are right for you. StopPulling.com is not therapy, but an interactive self-help tool based upon behavioral and learning theories which will guide you through analyzing and managing your problem.