Trichotillomania and post-traumatic stress disorder: a case study
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Published on: March 8, 2018
Kent A Corso1, Donald D McGeary
1Eglin Hospital, Suite 114, 307 Boatner Road, Eglin Air Force Base, FL 32542, USA. kentcorso@gmail.com
Abstract:
This is a clinical case study of a 45-year-old, Caucasian male, active duty military officer. It demonstrates the short-term efficacy of habit-reversal training on the treatment of trichotillomania (TTM) in three 50-minute sessions, with concomitant, but unanticipated decreases in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and emotional distress as measured by the PTSD Checklist, Form PCL-M and OQ-45, respectively. This study discusses the benefits and limitations of such a short treatment for comorbid TTM and PTSD, while positing the relationship between the two disorders. Finally, it lends support for the classification of TTM as an anxiety disorder rather than an impulse-control disorder.
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