Dr. Mouton-Odum, PhD shares the signs and symptoms of trichotillomania. Some things parents can watch for in their children are bald spots or thinning hair. A parent who notices hair loss in their children should take their child to a pediatrician to ensure that the hair loss is not biological.

Dr. Mouton-Odum, PhD discusses that trichotillomania is treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This treatment helps a person identify what internal or external triggers cause their hair-pulling behavior. Internal triggers may be thoughts, beliefs, physical sensations, sensory experiences, or emotions. External triggers include places, activities, environment, time of day, or the presence or absence of another person. When those triggers are identified, the person with trichotillomania can be helped with changing the aspects of their environment and their internal triggers. If a person is experiencing a co-morbid disorder such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or depression, the therapist looks at whichever issue is more urgent.

Dr. Mouton-Odum, PhD disucsses how trichotillomania can feel very isolating. While in the past it was thought to be rare, it is actually very common. Still, there are not a lot of resources for trichotillomania. The TLC foundation for Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors offers different events around the country to help people with this disorder find treatment and support. There are also books and online resource available for people with this disorder and their parents.

Dr. Mouton-Odum, PhD shares that a good first step to finding treatment for trichotillomania is contacting a psychologist who is trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), preferably someone who has previously worked with sufferers of trichotillomania. Medications have not been found across the board as helpful to people with trichotillomania. In some cases, if there is a co-morbid anxiety or depressive disorder, treating those co-morbid disorders can also be helpful for trichotillomania.

Dr. Mouton-Odum, PhD discusses that trichotillomania is found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Psychologists do treat trichotillomania, but not all psychologists have the proper training. The TLC Foundation for Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors offers training for professionals.

Dr. Mouton-Odum, PhD shares that because there is not a lot of information out there about trichotillomania, when a child is diagnosed, parents may blame themselves. It is extremely important and helpful to a person with trichotillomania to have support for relatives and loved ones. It's important to recognize that this is not "bad behaviorm" but a treatable disorder with a neurological basis. Some parts of therapy for trichotillomania is helping parents or loved ones be supportive of a person with trichotillomania in order to relieve the sufferer of the shame that often comes with the disorder. A parent or loved one should understand that trichotillomania is not self-mutilation, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or a wish to be ugly. It is a behavior that people use to self-soothe.

Suzanne Mouton-Odum, PhD, discusses CBT as the treatment for BFRBs, explains the different types of triggers and the goal of treatment.

Suzanne Mouton-Odum, PhD, discusses how treatment is different for those with OCD and BFRBs.

Suzanne Mouton-Odum, PhD, explains the ComB (Comprehensive Behavioral) Model, the treatment for BFRBs.

Suzanne Mouton-Odum, PhD, explains Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tick disorders and Tourette (CBIT) and the goal of treatment for the individual and their families.

Suzanne Mouton-Odum, PhD, discusses stigma associated with BFRBs.

Suzanne Mouton-Odum, PhD, shares some resources and words of encouragement for individuals suffering from BFRBs.