A retrospective review of 12 patients with trichotillomania treated in a psychodermatology service

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2019 Aug;44(6):658-660. doi: 10.1111/ced.13931. Epub 2019 Feb 25.

Abstract

Trichotillomania is a condition characterized by the pulling of hair from anywhere on the body and is classified as an obsessive-compulsive and related disorder. Patients with hair disorders are commonly referred to psychodermatology services, and can represent a management challenge. Few publications exist that report outcomes for patients with trichotillomania in real clinical practice. We report 12 such patients seen within our own psychodermatology service, who were managed using a variety of treatment strategies. The rate of defaulting of appointments was high, but improvements were seen in patients engaging with services.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods
  • Comorbidity
  • Delusional Parasitosis / ethnology
  • Delusional Parasitosis / psychology*
  • Dermatology
  • Environment
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / psychology*
  • Psychology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Trichotillomania / ethnology
  • Trichotillomania / psychology*
  • Trichotillomania / therapy*

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors