Trichodaganomania: A Curious Habit

An SSRI (paroxetine) reduced hair loss and itching for a user with male-pattern baldness, but liver issues forced discontinuation, leading to increased hair loss and anxiety. The user plans to try other anti-anxiety medications, noting stress and anxiety significantly impact hair loss.

Hair loss is linked to a higher rate of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), OCD, and depression. Finasteride and dutasteride are not linked to increased suicidal risk, though some users report mental health side effects.

The user has tried various hair loss treatments including topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, oral dutasteride, oral minoxidil, and exosome therapy, but none have been effective. They suspect trichodynia might be preventing these treatments from working.

A user is seeking advice on adding dutasteride to their finasteride regimen to stop DHT-related scalp itch. They have tried selenium sulfide and ketoconazole shampoos with temporary success.

Hair loss treatments discussed include microneedling, minoxidil, tretinoin, finasteride, dutasteride, pumpkin seeds, saw palmetto, and scalp massage. The consensus is that finasteride or dutasteride is necessary for significant regrowth, while other methods may only slow hair loss.

The conversation discusses using USB microscopes for scalp photos and provides a link to an overview of trichoscopy. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.