Message from Timberline Knolls

by Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center
September 13, 2011

Everyone has experienced a physical illness such as a cold or flu.  The symptoms are fairly predictable, a day or two of work may be missed, and in a certain amount of time, wellness returns.  A psychiatric illness is altogether different.  Not only does the individual have to cope with the disorder itself, but often the social consequences are equally if not more devastating.

Trichotillomania (trich) is a classic example.  People who suffer with this disorder compulsively pull out their hair.  No area is off limits - they may start with the scalp then move on to the eyes, armpits, pubis and legs.  The intent is not to cause pain and is certainly not to gain attention.  Quite the contrary, most try desperately to control or stop the behavior, without success...finish reading article