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Trichotillomania. An obsessive compulsive spectrum disorder?
1Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
The Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Trichotillomania, a neuropsychiatric disorder, is more common than previously thought and shares similarities with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Research is ongoing to find better treatments for this chronic condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychiatry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Trichotillomania is a neglected neuropsychiatric disorder.
- Recent research suggests it is more common than previously believed.
- It is characterized by senseless, undesirable, chronic, and difficult-to-treat hair-pulling behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between trichotillomania and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- To investigate potential treatment strategies for trichotillomania.
- To understand the neurobiology of trichotillomania and related disorders.
Main Methods:
- Clinical data analysis.
- Comorbidity assessment.
- Drug response evaluation.
- Familiality studies.
- Phenomenological research.
Main Results:
- Trichotillomania appears more prevalent than previously estimated.
- The disorder shares characteristics with OCD, suggesting a spectrum of excessive grooming behaviors.
- Clomipramine has shown effectiveness for some patients.
Conclusions:
- Trichotillomania warrants further research due to its prevalence and complexity.
- Additional treatment regimens are needed for long-term symptom suppression.
- Investigating trichotillomania can enhance understanding of OCD and other impulse control disorders.