Have you ever taken pictures of your hair to keep track of how much hair you lose over time due to pulling? It is a technique that research says is effective for assessment and evaluation, but did you know it can be used to show progress in treatment?   

A study conducted in 2016 set out to find out if taking photos of someone during treatment for trichotillomania had any effect on behaviors or quality of life. There were some difficulties setting up this study so it conformed with parameters of a well-designed study. However, those who took before and after pictures during treatment demonstrated a positive response to using photos. Whether the photos themselves had any impact on a person’s pulling behaviors is unknown, but those who saw visible progress reported feeling better about treatment.

The founder of the TLC Foundation, Christina Pearson is raising money to fund a book about her story with trichotillomania her journey to raise awareness for BFRB's. Learn more about Christina's mission at https://www.gofundme.com/writing-for-the-light

Whoever created the saying “sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me” was either in complete denial or had no clue about the devastating effects of words. Things we hear in childhood echo in our minds for years to come, often shaping how we think and feel about ourselves. Some of it gets put there before we are conscious of it happening.

Naltrexone (ReVia and Vivitrol) is an opioid antagonist which is used for opiate and alcohol dependence. It works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain which produce the high associated with substances, but research suggests it can be used for other compulsive behaviors.

Naltrexone is not Narcan

Naltrexone is not to be confused with naloxone. More commonly known as Narcan, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids within two minutes and is used as an emergency medical intervention to prevent overdose. Naltrexone works slower, with effectiveness occurring after 30 minutes and lasts much longer. It does not work with people who currently use a substance, instead, it is used for maintaining sobriety by reducing the urge to use and then blocking the effects.