Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Children's health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Trichotillomania

12 replies

Hellocatshome · 23/06/2022 19:02

I have finally reached the end of my tether with DS12s trich. It started when he was 2 wenwere told he would grow out of it he didn't. Then we were told to give him fidget toys, they dont work because his brain makes him want to pull his hair out fiddling with toys isnt the same. We were told not to draw attention to it nothing changed. We were told to calmly point out to DS when he was doing it it didn't work. We were told iys because he is anxious/stressed he went to see a therapist nothing changed. He has a huge bald spot almost permanently right at the front of his head. Touch wood so far after starting Comp in September he hasn't been bullied about it but I feel it's only a matter of time. He doesnt seem to care but then he very rarely verbalises any emotions so maybe he does. All the online help seems to be USA based and hinges around buying wigs for girls with trich and taking a supplement called NAC but I cant find if this is actually safe or not. I just need help and support and the GP is useless and I dont know where to turn.

OP posts:
Katya213 · 24/06/2022 21:41

Oh my god, why have they not referred to cahms? Keep on at the GP and don't let it go!!! I have this and I'm now in my forties, had it since I was ten and apparently my grandfather had it too.

AnnaMagnani · 24/06/2022 21:53

CAMHS and has he been assessed for ASD?

Hellocatshome · 24/06/2022 21:56

He's been to CAMHS who referred him to CYPS who said there was nothing they could do as he refused to engage. He couldn't engage because he couldn't understand what the Dr was saying (very very strong accent, I could barely understand). No one seems interested in looking into ASD as he no symptoms apart from the hair pulling and in my mind he is a bit emotionless.

OP posts:
Eyesopenwideawake · 24/06/2022 22:02

I have a colleague who works with children's anxiety issues, I know she does free consultations with parents to assess if she can help. Happy to send you her details if you're interested.

Hellocatshome · 24/06/2022 22:15

@Eyesopenwideawake yes please I'm happy to look at anything that may help. Although I'm not entirely sure he has anxiety.

OP posts:
Higglepigglewiggle · 24/06/2022 22:16

My friend is a psychotherapist and specialises in trich. I’m not sure if I can put her website on here but if you message me I can send you the details. She works with children and adults.

Eyesopenwideawake · 24/06/2022 22:20

@Hellocatshome - sent.

Katya213 · 24/06/2022 23:55

Can I just add, mine is nowhere near as bad as when I was young it is much much better and I've never seen anybody about it, but when I get anxious, I go straight for my hair.

Amberandgreen · 25/01/2023 07:05

Hello

just read your post!. How is your child? Our situation is identical. Almost 12 years old pulling hair suspected ASD, doesn’t want to go and see anyone, as last time could not understand the doctor.
I wonder if you got anywhere?... I just don’t know where to go!

Hellocatshome · 25/01/2023 07:32

Hi @Amberandgreen I wish I had a happy ending to share with you but unfortunately we are no further forward. The only thing we have found that has slightly helped is getting DS to wear a hat but then he refuses to wear it outside the house so he still pulls his hair at school etc but at least its reducing the damage a little bit.

OP posts:
Amberandgreen · 25/01/2023 08:39

Thank you so much for replying. I’m so sorry you are not further forward.. cap helped us in summer too, but since school started it all disappeared again..
also shaving helped us previously. Can I pm you please?

Hellocatshome · 25/01/2023 19:30

Amberandgreen · 25/01/2023 08:39

Thank you so much for replying. I’m so sorry you are not further forward.. cap helped us in summer too, but since school started it all disappeared again..
also shaving helped us previously. Can I pm you please?

@Amberandgreen yes feel free. Even a cap didn't work for us as he just ed the bits he could still get to. Has to be a full on beanie pulled over his ears.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread