Trichotillomania Hair-Pulling Disorder Treatment Facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

 Statistics on Hair-Pulling Disorder for Florida Adults

Nationwide studies on trichotillomania are limited; however, smaller studies, mostly done in university settings, have found that around 0.6% of people are diagnosed with trichotillomania in their lives. It’s worth noting that these numbers probably don’t capture the actual population because many people may feel embarrassed about their condition.

Trichotillomania is associated with higher rates of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, mood, and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders. Many engage in compulsive hair-pulling without meeting the full diagnostic criteria. Approximately 10% to 20% of people with trichotillomania engage in trichophagia, which involves eating the hair after pulling it. The University of Florida Health Department reports that trichotillomania is more common in women, with a ratio of 4:1 (female to male), which is not typical for psychiatric disorders.

Signs and Symptoms of Trichotillomania Hair-Pulling Disorder

1. Recurrent, irresistible urges to pull hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body parts.
2. Noticeable hair loss in the areas of hair-pulling, such as bald patches on the scalp, thinning eyebrows, or missing eyelashes.
3. Feeling tension or anxiety before pulling your hair, followed by a feeling of relief or relaxation after pulling.
4. Repeated attempts to stop pulling your hair without success.
5. Unconscious “automatic” hair-pulling, when pulling hair while reading, watching TV, or scrolling on your phone.

These physical signs are often paired with behaviors such as frequently covering up hair loss with hats, scarves, or makeup. Beyond the visible effects, you may notice yourself or your loved one trying to hide their behavior due to embarrassment or shame. You might observe subtle signs like increased irritability and spending excessive time alone.

Outpatient and Evening Treatment Programs

Outpatient therapy is the most common and accessible form of trichotillomania treatment for most patients. You attend regular sessions with a therapist, usually once or twice weekly. Evening sessions are provided so you can maintain your regular schedule during the day and have space for therapy without impacting your daily responsibilities.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) are suitable if you require more frequent and structured therapy without disrupting your daily responsibilities. These programs are typically ideal if you do not need inpatient care. IOPs can include trichotillomania therapy sessions multiple times a week in either an individual or group setting.

 Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Day Treatment

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) offer more intensive support than IOPs and involve treatment five to seven days a week, lasting several hours for each daily session. PHPs are best suited if you need more structure but do not require 24-hour supervision. These programs provide an organized schedule with therapy and other support services.

Inpatient and Residential Treatment

In a residential treatment program, you live at the facility for a set period, often from a few weeks to a few months. Inpatient treatment offers a highly structured environment with daily therapy sessions and 24/7 care. This is a helpful option if you have tried to stop trichotillomania several times or if you need to fully focus on your health and recovery.

 Online Therapy or Teletherapy Programs

Online therapy and teletherapy programs have grown in popularity for individuals seeking trichotillomania therapy. Teletherapy is an option if you have less flexibility in your schedule or cannot attend sessions in person. These programs can involve video or chat-based therapy with licensed therapists who can utilize techniques similar to in-person trichotillomania treatment.

Habit Reversal Training (HRT) Programs

Habit Reversal Training (HRT) is a specialized form of cognitive behavioral therapy for hair-pulling that consists of three main steps.

1. Awareness Training: This is to help you identify when and why you pull your hair.
2. Developing Competing Responses: Involves creating alternative behavior to replace scalp-picking and hair-pulling.
3. Building Motivation: This focuses on enhancing your commitment to managing trichotillomania urges.

 Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) uses techniques like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation. DBT is helpful if you pull your hair when feeling emotionally stressed and anxious. It can teach you how to handle strong emotions and build your coping skills without turning to ritualistic behaviors, such as self-harm and trichotillomania.

 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps you deal with intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors instead of acting on them. It teaches you to notice repetitive hair-pulling urges without judging yourself and to use mindfulness techniques for emotional regulation and trichotillomania.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy for OCD or hair-pulling is one of the most commonly used therapies. It focuses on spotting and changing your obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that lead to hair-pulling and anxiety. CBT teaches you about what provokes Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) and can help you develop strategies for managing trichotillomania urges.

 Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a mindfulness-based therapy frequently combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). ERP helps you notice your intrusive thoughts and obsessive behaviors, guiding you in managing trichotillomania urges. Practicing mindfulness can help you lower stress and enhance your awareness of all the factors that provoke your hair-pulling.

Group and Family Therapy

Group and family therapy is an option that provides substantial support and encouragement. You’ll benefit from being surrounded by other people who share similar experiences and can offer feedback. In addition, family therapy provides a multitude of advantages, including enhanced communication and consistent support from loved ones. These trichotillomania therapies are often paired with individual therapy to provide comprehensive care.

How To Find a Trichotillomania Treatment Center Near Me

1. Search Online: Type terms like “Trichotillomania treatment centers in South Florida” or “Trichotillomania Hair-pulling disorder therapy near me” in search engines to populate results. To further narrow down results, specify your location.
2. Request Referrals: Ask your primary care doctor, dermatologist, or therapist for referrals to specialists or treatment centers specializing in trichotillomania.
3. Contact Local Mental Health Clinics: Contact mental health clinics or psychiatric hospitals in cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Hollywood.
4. Confirm Your In-Network Providers: Contact your insurance provider for a full list of in-network therapists and treatment centers in Florida that offer services or behavioral therapy for trichotillomania.
5. Call National Mental Health Helplines: Free helplines like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (1-800-950-NAMI) or the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) can assist in finding trichotillomania treatment options near you in Florida.
6. Explore Online Therapy Options: Many insurance providers offer telehealth programs for trichotillomania, increasing your options for finding treatment that works with your schedule.