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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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In Depression Due To Mother's Death. Habit Of Picking Hair. Having Bald Spot On The Scalp. Treatment?

I'm 56 yes old and in 2008 my mom passed away. It has been a traumatic situation for me and I've in a deep depression since. In 2009 I started picking on my hair. Since then I've. Cut my hair three times, taking biotin and creams to help growth promising myself I'll write grow and not touch it. It hasn't been that way though. I am always very anxious and right now my right side has a little bald spot in back. I try to stop but can't. Is there any medication I should take. Please help.......
Thu, 24 Oct 2013
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Dermatologist 's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing to us.
What you are having is known as trichotillomania. It is basically an impulse control diorder where on has a strong compulsive urge to pull hair. As mentioned grief, stress anxiety can initiate it.
No hair supplement would work. You basically have to control this urge. Indulge yourself in meditation, yoga, long walks, family/friends gathering, reading books etc. The idea is to keep your self stress free. If this does not help you may meet a psychiatrist to start psychotherapy for same. Also drugs like sertraline, fluoxetine can be used to control it to some extent. The bald patch will have hair growth once it is left untouched.
Hope this helped.
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In Depression Due To Mother's Death. Habit Of Picking Hair. Having Bald Spot On The Scalp. Treatment?

Hi, Thanks for writing to us. What you are having is known as trichotillomania. It is basically an impulse control diorder where on has a strong compulsive urge to pull hair. As mentioned grief, stress anxiety can initiate it. No hair supplement would work. You basically have to control this urge. Indulge yourself in meditation, yoga, long walks, family/friends gathering, reading books etc. The idea is to keep your self stress free. If this does not help you may meet a psychiatrist to start psychotherapy for same. Also drugs like sertraline, fluoxetine can be used to control it to some extent. The bald patch will have hair growth once it is left untouched. Hope this helped. Hope this helped