BPD and Trichotillomania (Pulling Out Hair)

Written by Dr. Leland Heller

QUESTION:

I diagnosed myself with BPD several years ago after 3 'suicide' attempts in one year. I OD'd but not enough to kill myself. I drank heavily and alone and have always had problems in relationships due to my explosive anger. I was put on Prozac for several years and it helped but because I continued drinking I was sleeping 12 hours a day so discontinued it. I was doing fine minus a few explosions which I feel were deserved but my reactions were not. Since

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about age 16 I have pulled out my eyelashes and eyebrows. I can't stop although it embarrasses me and makes me angry that I cannot control it. I am now married and have a 7 week old baby. I love my husband and son with all my heart. About half way through the pregnancy I began the pulling of the eyelashes and eyebrows and last night removed them all from my right eye. Saturday night I did some cutting of my wrists which were small cuts but made me feel better but again with summer embarrassed. Questions: Is there any treatment for hair pulling (Trichotillomania) that works? Where are you located and what is your 8 day treatment and is it safe for breast feeding? If you are too far away is there anyone you could recommend to help? I do not want to have a negative affect on my baby.

DR. HELLER'S ANSWER:

Pulling hair out can be due to severe anxiety/OCD symptoms or BPD dysphoria related self-mutilation.

The only medication that's presumably safe during breast feeding is Prozac, since it's considered okay during pregnancy.

I'm located in central Florida. We haven't done the intensive 6 week programs in a few years, but I'm working towards doing 3-4 per year in the next few years.

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