Dear Dr. SerVaas,

I have a nine-year-old granddaughter who has been diagnosed with "trichotillomania." She pulls her long hair out little by little. I had never heard of this disease, and it took a couple months to realize what was happening. Now she is almost bald except for the crown of her head. New hair is growing in, but will she pull it out, too?

A dermatologist suggested a psychiatrist, and she is now on medication and therapy. Can you give me any information, and are there possibly other people who have any ideas for helping her?

Millicent Orlando
Pembroke Pines, Florida

Hair will grow back when it's not being pulled, but some kids find it hard to stop. We are happy your granddaughter is getting help. Hypnosis and biofeedback are other avail able treatment options. Information about the hair-pulling disorder, including special sections for kids, is available at trich.org and kidshealth.org (search for "trichotillomania").

New research from Duke University suggests that a faulty gene may increase the risk of developing the disorder. These findings raise hopes of more effective treatments in the future.