Diagnosis, evaluation, and management of trichotillomania

Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2014 Sep;37(3):301-17. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2014.05.005. Epub 2014 Jul 21.

Abstract

Trichotillomania, or chronic hairpulling, is a common condition that affects primarily women. The disorder can cause significant psychosocial impairment and is associated with elevated rates of psychiatric comorbidity. In this article, the phenomenology, etiology, assessment, and treatment of the disorder are discussed.

Keywords: Body-focused repetitive behaviors; Diagnosis; Obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders; Trichotillomania.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Comorbidity
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Trichotillomania / diagnosis*
  • Trichotillomania / drug therapy
  • Trichotillomania / epidemiology
  • Trichotillomania / etiology
  • Trichotillomania / therapy*

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors