Abstract

The phenomenon of hair pulling has been recognized for centuries, yet the true prevalence of trichotillomania (TTM) is largely unknown and the topic has been sparsely studied. TTM is classified as an impulse-control disorder despite much debate about its etiology. In this review we summarize the different hypotheses, including impulse-control disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, behavioral problems and addiction, and the appropriate treatment methods. The combination of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antipsychotic medications are shown to be most effective. Treatment with anti-addiction drugs seems relevant. Further research is needed to increase our knowledge regarding the etiology of TTM.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Shoenfeld N, Rosenberg O, Kotler M, Dannon PN

Institution

Beer Yaakov Mental Health Hospital, Beer Yaakov, Israel.

Source

The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ 14:2 2012 Feb pg 125-9

MeSH

Antimanic Agents
Antipsychotic Agents
Cognitive Therapy
Dietary Supplements
Female
Humans
Male
Mental Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
Substance-Related Disorders
Treatment Outcome
Trichotillomania

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Review

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22693797