There is no cure for Trichotillomania, however, the disorder can be treated through medication and behavior therapy. Since this condition is linked to serotonin and norepinephrine (two neurotransmitters in the brain), medications like Effexor and anti-depressant medications like Zoloft, Prozac and Luvox have been used in treating trichotillomania.
Behavior therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on changing patterns, thoughts and behaviors. Habit reversal is one approach used during behavior therapy, especially when treating patients with trichotillomania. During habit reversal, the patient is asked to keep a log of his/her hair-pulling, from the time of day it occurs to the emotions preceding the pulling. The patient and therapist then work on identifying "triggers" (things/feelings/events that caused the hair-pulling) and how to deal appropriately with those triggers.
