dps musings

Learn a new word, and the affliction it brings to a persons’ life. ‘trichotillomania.’ derived from the Greek words; Thrix (hair), tillein (to pluck), mania (frenzy). Pronounced: trik-oh-till-oh-may-nee-ah. Difficult to say let alone deal with, sufferers of this psychological condition will remove their own hair, despite knowing it can lead to permanent baldness. As with any addiction sufferers must feel shame, anxiety and a high level of despair! Often leading a double life, unspoken words and lots of hurt. 

I initially read about this article in a magazine and further internet research revealed a wealth information, help and support for sufferers. Apparently, this illness is as universal as bulimia or anorexia. Reports state trichotillomania of often misdiagnosed or the patient is humiliated in some way and so treatment is often not pursued further. 

In some cases a person will actually eat the hair they have removed and thereby risk blocking their intestines and for some it isn’t just the hair on their head it can be their eyebrows, eyelashes or pubic hair. Some experts reckon it is due a chemical imbalance in the brain and more commonly found in females than males. Recovery can be a long process with a range of treatments, although some do come at a price, ultimately this may prevent some from the assistance they need.

 I found this website about Claire’s personal journey, you might want to take a look http://www.trichotillomaniauk.com. good to get support from others as she says she has struggled to get information. Also in London there is Lucinda Ellery consultancy and they use an intralance system, cranial hair prosthesis, there is a gallery of images, the end result looks fantastic.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS