Doctor Answers

  •   Wed, Mar 06 2024
  •   By Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor

March 6, 2024

Hello doctor,
I suffer from an embarrassing problem. I pull my own hair. Mostly it is from my head. Or eyebrows. Rarely from my private parts. I lost my father to Covid. I stay in a paying guest accommodation. I work as an HR manager of a reputable company in hybrid mode. I have started using an expensive wig nowadays to hide my bald patches. I don’t want medication doctor. Help me with some techniques to self - heal.
Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,
I am sure you know that this hair pulling disorder is also called as trichotillomania. It was initially conceptualised as an impulse control disorder. But currently it is thought to be an obsessive compulsive disorder like condition. Anxiety, undiagnosed depression, low self-esteem and in some cases complicated grief may be contributing to the condition. Habit reversal training and behaviour therapy are non- medication ways to treat this disorder. Wearing a wig may be counterproductive as it is an easy escape from actually trying to resist the compulsive hair pulling. Seek professional help of a psychiatrist to understand the severity of the problem and diagnose other comorbidities. You will then be referred to a trained clinical psychologist for behavioural intervention. If the condition is very severe medication will make a huge difference. Mild cases can be treated with therapy alone. Selfheal would include keeping oneself busy, to stay in public place at times when you want to pull own hair, cultivating a hobby, exercising regularly, taking breaks from work periodically and rewarding self when you are able to reduce hair pulling. The first step to healing however is acceptance. Best luck!

Dear Dr Supriya,
I am mother of a daughter who has not stepped out of the house since 6 years. I read about you online. We don’t stay in India. It started when she was in 12th grade. She is 37 years now. She started believing that her classmates were making fun of her. Initially we thought it was true. Later she said they were tracking her and following her home. We were initially not able to give her adequate medical attention as my husband’s job was unstable at that time and I had another special child to look after. She is on olanzapine 10 mg and has put on lot of weight. She occasionally still talks about her persecutors. But mostly she is by herself, does not talk to us much and avoids visitors. Is there any hope for her to get better? Should I get her for treatment? She has been diagnosed with schizophrenia by her previous doctor. Can I ever stop these medications?
Sherley

Dear Sherley,
According to the history given by you, it is a possibility that your daughter has schizophrenia. It’s a lifelong disorder which needs antipsychotic medication. Initially symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions will be prominent and slowly negative symptoms such as lack of motivation and social withdrawal predominate. As she has been on olanzapine for a long time which is on sub- optimal dose, it will be worthwhile to get her for treatment. Changing the dose or starting another antipsychotic may prove helpful. Option of adding medication which improve negative symptoms is also there. Stopping the medication will worsen the condition and functioning. There are non-medical options such as psycho social intervention techniques which might improve her day to day functioning. All the best!

Dear Doctor,
I am a divorced woman who wants to remarry. I was working in Oman for 10 years. I have now returned to India. I started chatting with this man online 2 years back who is on the verge of divorcing his wife. We have met few times. He is kind and affectionate. However he does not have a stable job. I have already lent him 5 lakh rupees to start a business. Recently I thought he was two timing me and I checked his phone. I was shocked to see that he was sexting with at least 2 more women. I was shattered. I have not confronted him. I am torn between the hope that he will change if I make him realise his mistake, and cutting him off from my life. I am quite lonely and have no friends. My siblings are abroad and I have no parents. Madam in your experience, what should I do?
Priya

Dear Priya,
You have very good insight. You seem to have understood the complicated situation you are in. He is cheating on his wife with you. He is also sexting others which is also a form of cheating. Have you considered confronting him with evidence in hand? Have you made any plans of how you want to get the money lent to him back especially if you are planning to let him go?

How will you keep yourself physically and emotionally occupied if you break-up? The other way of handling it would be confrontational with evidence, full emotional drama and if you continue in the relationship, constant fear of being cheated again. It’s up to you. Take care. Seek professional help with a psychiatrist to help you cope with this challenging phase in your life.

 

 

 
By Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor
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Comment on this article

  • Daniel, Mangalore

    Thu, Mar 07 2024

    In Spiritual angle or another solution for all these issues which are due to one or the other negative spirits affecting one (negative thoughts) like rejection, unforgiveness, guilt, fear, pride, lust, anger, hatred, envy, greed, gluttony, addiction and attachments. These evil spirits cannot be bound by an Iron chain or a Gold chain but with the spiritual chain, the holy rosary used by an angel to bind these evils spirits or darknesses so says Holy Scripture, Rev 20.1.

  • Rohan, Mangalore

    Thu, Mar 07 2024

    What is lacking in todays education is instilling self belief in young minds , we teach them all kinds of sciences and arts , about history , geography , biology , accounts and what not but rarely anything about self . Emotional intelligence , social intelligence, self awareness , understanding of supreme is rarely cultivated. We build a society that is fragile socially with depressed individuals. We rely more om external factors but do not rely on the inner self do not develop our inner avenues to be stronger and fitter psychologically. As Krishna said one who doesnt get too happy nor sad one who is self intelligent and not confused and one who understands the science of God is in transcendence....... If this secret is known to all then the rich and powerful will not be able to take advantage of innocent minds. It is the duty of all to introspect and understand and question everything that happens in and around them. The mind is the most powerful thing and it can be trained. Its all in the mind and everything is not absolute it is a kind of maya.... In absolute terms you are what you think you are and all your beliefs with faith....

  • Daniel, Mangalore

    Wed, Mar 06 2024

    Good advises. Apart from or in addition to medication, Spiritual side also if one brings God in their every thoughts, feelings and emotions Satan (one's own negative thoughts) or lot many anxiety disorders, depressions, fears... slowly subside. Reading 2 to 3 chapters of Holy Scripture also diverts one's mind from these mental attacks or disorders as Divine words are always positive and healing also God is the ultimate doctor and is the source wisdom to doctors!

  • Daniel, Mangalore

    Wed, Mar 06 2024

    Good advises. Spiritual side also if one brings God in their every thoughts, feelings and emotions Satan (one's own negative thoughts) or lot many anxiety disorders, depressions, fears... slowly subside. Reading 2 to 3 chapters of Holy Scripture also diverts one's mind from these mental attacks or disorders as Divine words are always positive and healing also God is the ultimate doctor and is the source wisdom to doctors!


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