Frequency and treatment of trichotillomania in Poland

Although trichotillomania is a relatively common disorder no large epidemiological studies are available. The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of trichotillomania as identified by Polish dermatologists, and to evaluate the treatment modalities used. A questionnaire was sent to 172 dermatologists; 118 (68.6%) responded. The questions covered demographic data, frequency of trichotillomania and treatments used. During the course of their working lives 68% of respondents had observed at least one patient with trichotillomania and 11% were currently treating such a patient. More than 30% of respondents had observed one or two cases of trichotillomania during the past 5 years, 11% had seen 3-5 cases, 3% had seen 6-10 cases, and 5% had seen more than 10 patients. Of the respondents, 40.7% always and 28.8% often asked for a psychiatric opinion. Dermatologists with more experience more frequently (p < 0.05) obtained a psychiatric opinion. Some dermatologists (15.3%) used their own pharmacological treatment (anxiety-relieving drugs and sedatives). Trichotillomania is a relatively common disorder; however, not all dermatologists are sufficiently prepared to treat it.