A brush covered in loose hairs, for example, might trigger feelings of fear and anxiety.
A specific phobia is an intense and irrational fear of a specific object or situation.
The belief that hair is a contaminant may cause people to become fearful of seeing loose hair.
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Trichophobia may also contribute to or exacerbate a condition known astrichotillomania.
This disorder is characterized by hair loss triggered by pulling or putting pressure on the hair.
Physical symptoms of trichophobia include:
Emotional symptoms can include:
Avoidance is another common symptom of specific phobias.
People with trichophobia may take a stab at avoid encountering loose hair or clumps of hair by cleaning excessively.
In some instances, people may even experience apanic attackwhen they are faced with the source of their fear.
A panic attack is characterized by the sudden onset of extreme anxiety.
If your symptoms are mild, you might feel like the condition is manageable.
For example, the symptoms must not be better explained by another condition such asobsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Trichophobia Treatment
If you have been diagnosed with trichophobia there are effective treatments that can help.
Exposure therapies, includingsystematic desensitization, are the first-line treatments for specific phobias.
Learn relaxation techniques.Using some of the same strategies that are utilized in exposure therapies may be helpful.
Explore methods like visualization, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation.
When you feel well, you will likely be better able to manage your anxiety effectively.
Practice facing your fears.You might begin by just imaging the hair or looking at images of loose hair online.
Over time, gradually exposing yourself to your fears may help you better manage your feelings of anxiety.
Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about what you are feeling.
Together, you could work on a treatment plan that will get you back on track.
Fortunately, effective treatments can reduce or even eliminate the symptoms of this condition.
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