Trichotillomania: current issues in conceptualization and treatment.

Full Abstract

Trichotillomania is a little-known disorder with wider prevalence and more significant consequences than previously believed. While sharing similarities with obsessive-compulsive disorder, compelling differences from it have also been noted. This fact, coupled with recognized overlap with other obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, has resulted in the ongoing evolution of our conceptualization of this illness. While empirical evidence supports the use of behavioral treatment and pharmacotherapy, considerable research is still needed before we can promise highly effective interventions tailored to the individual hairpuller. This review will summarize the evidence supporting, as well as challenging, a hypothesized link with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Current treatment approaches will be reviewed, as well as evidence for their efficacy. Suggestions will be made for future directions in this field.

Author information

Author/s: Keuthen, N J (NJ); O'Sullivan, R L (RL); Sprich-Buckminster, S (S);

Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass., USA. Keuthen(-atsign-)psych.mgh.harvard.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Psychotherapy and psychosomatics (Psychother Psychosom), published in SWITZERLAND. (Language: eng)

Reference: -1998 Jul-Oct; vol 67 (issue 4-5) : pp 202-13

Dates: Created 1998/09/08; Completed 1998/09/08; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 9693347, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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