Supporter Mom To A 7 Year Old Boy

[Debbie12697]

Hi,
I'm a mom to a 7 year old boy who has ADHD and he has, in my opinion, Trich. He has pulled out all of his eyelashes, most of his eyebrows, and has started on the front and side of his head. He is in therapy but his therapist (and mine) have suggested not addressing the hair pulling at all. Everything I've read says Cognitive/Behavioral therapy is the best approach. I don't know how to help him.

 

[sun seeker]

Hi there,

I'm confused about why you are asking this question on a PTSD forum. Does your son also suffer from PTSD?

 

[somerandomguy]

Seconded. Nothing to do with PTSD. There is no way we can help you.

 

[darrenS]

actually my 10 year old had a short stint with it...he witnessed my hospilization for ptsd and our marriage breakdown - we got him into child therapy and thankfully he is ok now and back on track. Its a severe stress reaction and will get worse if it isnt dealt with

 

[Justmehere]

Trichotillomania is a well known to be a possible side effect of ADHD medication. If he has pulled out all his hair, and he is on medications for ADHD, then his doc knows - surely he can see it - and should be monitoring him for this possible side effect.

If someone in the family has PTSD, that indicates his caregivers have a lot of stress and/or there may have been trauma he or a loved one of his experienced. If he has a therapist who is working with him, then let the therapist figure out the right treatment plan. If you feel another treatment plan is warranted, you can take him for a second opinion. However, this would cause more stress for him and since your own therapist is suggesting to back off from it for now, I would hesitate to get another opinion right away. I think you should give his current treatment a little more time.

Talk to his therapist and see what she says about how you can help him. Try to be as steady, safe, and consistent of a mom that you can be. That helps every kid, especially those that are struggling.

 

[intothelight]

I think there is a bit of information here about trichotillomania, but definitely talk to his doctor and therapist as they will be the best source of advice.