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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

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How To Stop Pulling Hair And Eating Follicles?

I pull out my hair and eat the follicles, I can't seem to stop. I was almost completely bald on the top of my head a few years ago. Thank goodness that my husband has been helping by pointing out when I'm doing it so it has had a chance to grow back, but there are still hairballs all over my house. I CAN'T STOP, please help!!
Wed, 17 Sep 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

I understand that you are worried about your habit of pulling out hair and eating the hair follicles. Its good that you have been able to realize that you are not able to control this behaviour and have decided to seek help.

From the description of your symptoms, you appear to be suffering from a psychiatric disorder called TRICHOTILLOMANIA. Here the person compulsively (i,e, repeatedly and without control) keeps pulling out hair and some may even ingest the pulled out follicles. This is classified as a compulsive disorder.

Since your problem appears to be very severe and distressing, I would advise you to seek professional help immediately. There are effective treatment options - with medication as well as psychological therapy which can help you overcome this problem. So, please consult a psychiatrist at the earliest.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist
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How To Stop Pulling Hair And Eating Follicles?

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. I understand that you are worried about your habit of pulling out hair and eating the hair follicles. Its good that you have been able to realize that you are not able to control this behaviour and have decided to seek help. From the description of your symptoms, you appear to be suffering from a psychiatric disorder called TRICHOTILLOMANIA. Here the person compulsively (i,e, repeatedly and without control) keeps pulling out hair and some may even ingest the pulled out follicles. This is classified as a compulsive disorder. Since your problem appears to be very severe and distressing, I would advise you to seek professional help immediately. There are effective treatment options - with medication as well as psychological therapy which can help you overcome this problem. So, please consult a psychiatrist at the earliest. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.) Consultant Psychiatrist