Abstract
This chapter discusses scientific advances in the phenomenology of trichotillomania (TTM). Evidence is reviewed on TTM definition and conceptualization, epidemiology, gender-related issues, age of onset and course, phenomenological characteristics, impairment, comorbidity, and cultural considerations. TTM is located in the Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders category of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). Diagnostic criteria include chronic hair pulling causing hair loss, multiple attempts to quit or reduce hair pulling, and clinically significant distress or impairment. TTM is associated with significant psychosocial impairment. Research has examined impairment within specific functional contexts, including social, occupational/academic, and psychological domains. The chapter reviews the negative psychosocial effects associated with TTM. Dissemination of scientific knowledge regarding TTM might help educate clinicians and other medical providers to identify and properly address hair pulling in clinical environments, possibly paving the way for reducing stigma and encouraging more open dialogue between patients and professionals.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | The Wiley Handbook of Obsessive Compulsive Disorders |
| Subtitle of host publication | Volumes 1-2 |
| Publisher | wiley |
| Pages | 817-831 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Volume | 2 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781118890233 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781118890264 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 1 2017 |
Keywords
- chronic hair pulling
- DSM-5
- hair loss
- obsessive-compulsive disorders
- phenomenology
- psychosocial impairment
- trichotillomania
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Psychology