DSM-IV Information

Diagnostic criteria for 312.39 Trichotillomania 
(cautionary statement)  

A. Recurrent pulling out of one's hair resulting in noticeable hair loss. 
B. An increasing sense of tension immediately before pulling out the hair or when attempting to resist the behavior. 
C. Pleasure, gratification, or relief when pulling out the hair. 
D. The disturbance is not better accounted for by another mental disorder and is not due to a general medical condition (e.g., a dermatological condition). 
E. The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Reprinted with permission from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision.  Copyright 2000 American Psychiatric Association

May 20th Update

Good day, friends.  First and foremost, I'd like to make another apology.  I haven't been able to make a new update lately because I have been quite busy.  My mother-in-law died after a long battle against stomach cancer, I've fallen behind on sleep because of work, and I've been working on my application for the local community college.  I am indeed sorry to my many fans for not satisfying your reading aspirations. 

In the unfortunate world of my trichotillomania, I have still not pulled out ANY of my hairs.  I've had to change the bandages on my fingers a few times, but they are indeed working at a level of maximum effect.  Dr. Brown said I was his best patient and he invited me to his barbeque on Saturday.  It should be nice to find out where he lives and who his wife is.  For the first time in a long time, I feel like I'm finally winning the hard fight against this rampant trichotillomania. 

I think I'm going to ride my bike over to the gas station and get some Gatorade and a light snack.  I cashed my paycheck for being a janitor and I made over $300.  I feel the wealth sprawling out all over me. 

Did I mention my invention?  I am inventing and presenting a machine named Francine that will eat a green bean covered in sunscreen in front of the queen.  Also, did I tell you that will jump over the fence while watching the Sixth Sense starring Bruce Willis who's married to a woman named Phyllis that went to the store after fighting in the Persian Gulf War?

I have decided to become a part-time rapper!  :)

May 15th Update

Good evening, friends.  Today was a long day at work.  Some kid vomited all over some carpet and the head janitor made me clean it up.  I think I might quit my job...  $8.00 an hour is good pay for someone with my capabilities, but I am starting to think it might not be worth it to be made fun of every day.

Still haven't pulled any hair, so that's good...  Dr. Brown called me this morning before work because he said he has good news that he has to tell me in person.  I'm going to see him tomorrow.  It should be fun.

I'm shocked that none of my many fans wanted to get that mattress...  Maybe everyone was busy at that time of day.

I need help from one of my fans:  I dropped a pair of scissors behind my heavy stove.  My arms are too thick to reach and grab it.  If you have a child with slim arms, meet me at the public library at 4:00 p.m. tomorrow.  I will be eating a light snack.  We can go to my house and get the scissors.  I will pay you later but not now.



Tommy

May 14th Update

Good day, friends.  First and foremost, I must apologize for not making an update yesterday.  I do realize that I have a huge fanbase because of this blog and I need to make daily updates for the viewing pleasure of my fans, but you all must understand that I'm a busy man with my job and disorder and all.

I still haven't pulled any hair in five days.  This is great news.  I've noticed that the bandages on my fingers have made me stop trying to pull out my hair in the first place.  So maybe I could take them off soon  because the urge to pull my hair is going away.  They're also getting kind of dirty; I might have to have Dr. Brown reapply some more bandages.

McDonald's was awesome.  I can't wait until I get to go again.

Also, for any of my fans living in the NYC area:  I have a free queen sized mattress if you want it.  It is great except for a little bit of cat hair.  Meet me in front of Starbucks on 71st street at 4:00 p.m. so we can go to my mom's house and retrieve it.  Bring some money for some Gatorades or Snapples and some Fritos.

May 12th Update

Good afternoon, friends.  Today, Dr. Brown applied some bandages on my fingers that prevent me from pulling my hair out.  They are surprisingly comfortable and do not prevent me from doing any regular tasks. 

 

My wife and I are going to McDonald's for dinner tonight.  I have never been this excited for a meal in a long time.  I am going to get a Royale with Cheese and a soder pop.

Tommy

May 11th Update

Good day, friends.  As I'm sure you know, I visited Dr. Brown today.  He went through a list of treatment options and we eventually came to the solution for him to apply bandages to my fingers that prevent the pulling.  He says if I keep them on for a long time I could see a serious jump in hair growth within a couple weeks.  I am excited to have an image of normality.

I'm going in tomorrow to get some bandages on my fingers.  Hopefully this will help!! :)


Tommy

May 10th Update

Good evening, friends.  Today has been a great day.  My wife came home just in time to make me some bluebery pancakes for breakfast and the kids at school were all much more respectful than usual.  Dr. Brown called me when  I got home from work.  I am going in to see him tomorrow morning.  It will be fun indeed. 

I haven't pulled any hair since yesterday morning. 



Tommy