5 yr old hair pulling - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

jcam · 06-14-2006, 04:31 AM

One of my twin daughters was diagnosed with PDD/autistic tendencies about 3 years ago. My other twin daughter has been pulling her hair in her sleep and grinding her teeth. Her ped. thinks that it might be OCD, but it happens when she is sleeping. Her hair is really beginning to thin and I am worried she may need medication. She is taking 1/4 teaspoon of some antihistimine to help her sleep more soundly. We are looking into a child psychiatrist. Can anyone give me any information on this? Does this sound like OCD? Can you show symptoms when you are asleep? Thanks to anyone who can help.
Thanks again,
jcam

steveo23 · 06-14-2006, 04:59 AM

Jcam

It sounds like it could be Trichotollomania (TTM)... compulsive hair pulling, which is related to OCD. Thinning hair is one of the classic signs. It can also be pulling of the eyebrows and eyelashes. I dont know if it can present when your daughter is asleep, but it is well worth exploring the possibilty just to make sure. Hair pulling is usually an anxious act. If that is in fact what she has, it is treated very much the same as other forms of OCD. Children CAN be easier to treat, as their younger minds are more open to manipulation. Hope all goes well with her

Steve

Skip Service · 06-15-2006, 09:32 PM

lips pullling includes?

haileysheets · 06-15-2006, 10:08 PM

This sounds like Trichotillomania. I wasn't diagnosed with it until I was 16, but I started pulling on my eyebrows and eyelashes when I was 6 years old. Like the other poster said, it is a form of obsessive compulsive disorder. They normally treat it with medication and therapy, but I am not sure if it would be any different for a 5 year old. I would definitely seek the help of a child psychiatrist though. Best of luck!