Is There A Relationship Between Tricotillomania And BPD?

Written by Dr. Leland Heller

QUESTION:

Good evening Doctor Heller,

I suffer from tricotillomania and skin picking since I was about 9 years old. I am 27 now. I recently started treatment with a psychiatrist. I have been taking Sertraline for 15 days. Sometimes I have thought that my way of thinking and acting are very similar to those of a person with borderline personality.

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I would like to ask you if there is a possibility that people with tricotillomania present these symptoms. I am such an unstable person and neither I nor my family or friends or co-workers or my boss can explain my mood changes. From extremely happy to extreme anger!

I would highly appreciate your reply and help.

Best Regards...

DR. HELLER'S ANSWER:

I've treated a dozen or so patients with tricotillomania. It's difficult to treat. Some individuals are self mutilating in an attempt to stop or reduce their dysphoria (anxiety, rage, depression and despair). For others it's a compulsive anxiety reducing behavior. For some it's a combination.

Treating all the medically treatable problems as listed in my screening test is extremely important.

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