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Trichotillomania and post-traumatic stress disorder: a case study
Kent A Corso1, Donald D McGeary
1Eglin Hospital, Suite 114, 307 Boatner Road, Eglin Air Force Base, FL 32542, USA. kentcorso@gmail.com
Military Medicine
|December 6, 2008
Summary
Habit-reversal training effectively treated trichotillomania (TTM) in a military officer. The treatment also unexpectedly reduced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and emotional distress.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Trichotillomania (TTM) is a disorder characterized by repetitive hair pulling.
- Comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can complicate TTM treatment.
- Habit-reversal training (HRT) is a behavioral intervention for TTM.
Observation:
- A case study of a 45-year-old male military officer with TTM.
- Treatment involved three 50-minute sessions of HRT.
- Concurrent symptom reduction in PTSD and emotional distress was observed.
Findings:
- Short-term efficacy of HRT for TTM was demonstrated.
- Unanticipated decreases in PTSD symptoms (PCL-M) and emotional distress (OQ-45) were noted.
- HRT may offer benefits for comorbid TTM and PTSD.
Implications:
- Supports HRT as a viable short-term treatment for TTM.
- Suggests a potential link between TTM and PTSD, possibly classifying TTM as an anxiety disorder.
- Highlights the need for further research into the comorbidity of TTM and PTSD.
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