Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026
06:50
Marble Burying and Nestlet Shredding as Tests of Repetitive, Compulsive-like Behaviors in Mice
Published on: December 24, 2013
30.1K
Trichotillomania in a dementia case
Leonardo Caixeta1, Danielly Bandeira Lopes2
1M.D, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Neuroscience, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Goiânia GO, Brazil. Coordinator, Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Unit, Hospital das Clínicas (UFG).
Dementia & Neuropsychologia
|December 8, 2017
Summary
This case study explores trichotillomania in an elderly male with Binswanger's disease. The hair pulling disorder, linked to white matter changes, persisted despite standard treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Binswanger's disease is a form of white-matter vascular dementia.
- Trichotillomania is an impulse control disorder characterized by compulsive hair pulling.
Observation:
- An 87-year-old male patient presented with trichotillomania.
- The patient had a diagnosis of white-matter vascular dementia (Binswanger's disease).
- Standard treatments including mirtazapine and anticholinesterasic medications were ineffective.
Findings:
- Trichotillomania in this case appeared related to perseveration, a cognitive symptom of dementia.
- The study suggests white matter abnormalities contribute to trichotillomania pathogenesis.
- A potential defect in the right frontal-subcortical circuit connectivity is implicated.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential link between white matter integrity and trichotillomania.
- Findings suggest novel therapeutic targets may exist within the frontal-subcortical circuits for dementia-related trichotillomania.
- Further research into white matter connectivity may elucidate the pathophysiology of impulse control disorders in neurodegenerative diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
668
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent obsessions, compulsions, or both, which consume significant time and interfere with daily functioning. Obsessions involve persistent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that evoke anxiety. Common examples include irrational fears of contamination or harm. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions. For instance, individuals...
668
01:30Dementia
584
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
584
01:30Bulimia Nervosa
828
Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...
828
01:26Modeling in Therapy
540
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
540
01:30Dissociative Identity Disorder
1.1K
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously termed multiple personality disorder, is a complex psychological condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states. Each identity exhibits unique patterns of behavior, voice, and mannerisms and may possess separate memories and emotional responses. The alternating control between identities can result in memory gaps and challenges in recalling daily activities, often exacerbating the individual's...
1.1K
01:18Anxiety: Overview
1.1K
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
1.1K