TrichStop - Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania, or Hair Pulling Disorder, manifests itself in two types of pulling: automatic and focused. Automatic pulling is pulling that the individual engages in without realizing it. This often occurs in contexts where the person is engaged in passive activities such as reading, studying or watching television. Focused hair pulling on the other hand, is when there is a clear and distinct irresistible urge to pull, resulting in the person purposefully engaging in the behavior.

In both instances, in order to apply skills and strategies to tackle the behavior, it is important for the individual to be aware of when they tend to or are most at risk of pulling. This usually follows a pattern and by identifying the pattern of pulling one can anticipate when the urge is most likely to occur. One of the strategies used to gain awareness of the behavior is keeping a hair pulling log.

This app allows you to document your pulling urges and episodes. Each time you experience an urge to pull or have a pulling episode, you can add an entry to the journal. After a while of using the app, you will have gathered enough data to start seeing patterns in your behavior: whether you pull at specific times of day, due to certain circumstances, etc.

It can be very valuable as a stand-alone journaling tool, however you can expect best results when you use it as part of a therapeutic process with a therapist, preferably CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy).