Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026
06:01
Collecting Hair Samples for Hair Cortisol Analysis in African Americans
Published on: June 10, 2018
19.3K
Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder).
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry
|February 13, 2019
Summary
Trichotillomania, characterized by compulsive hair pulling, is distinct from OCD. Effective treatments include habit reversal therapy and specific medications like n-acetylcysteine.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Trichotillomania involves repetitive hair pulling, causing hair loss and functional impairment.
- It is a prevalent disorder, affecting an estimated 0.5%-2.0% of the population.
- Despite classification with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), it exhibits distinct characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on trichotillomania.
- To examine the evidence for various treatment interventions for trichotillomania.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of trichotillomania.
- Analysis of treatment intervention evidence.
Main Results:
- Trichotillomania treatments differ significantly from OCD treatments.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, common for OCD, are ineffective for trichotillomania.
- Habit reversal therapy and medications like n-acetylcysteine or olanzapine are primary interventions.
Conclusions:
- Trichotillomania requires distinct therapeutic approaches compared to OCD.
- Further research into effective treatments for trichotillomania is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Hair Cells
44.9K
Hair cells are the sensory receptors of the auditory system—they transduce mechanical sound waves into electrical energy that the nervous system can understand. Hair cells are located in the organ of Corti within the cochlea of the inner ear, between the basilar and tectorial membranes. The actual sensory receptors are called inner hair cells. The outer hair cells serve other functions, such as sound amplification in the cochlea, and are not discussed in detail here.
44.9K
01:16Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles
4.4K
Hair and hair follicles are integral components of the integumentary system. Hair is a filamentous structure composed mainly of a protein called keratin. It is found on the surface of the skin throughout the body, except for areas such as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...
4.4K
02:18Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
19.4K
Intrinsically disordered proteins are a group of proteins that do not fold into specific three-dimensional structures. Their structural flexibility allows them to complement ordered proteins to perform functions that are inaccessible to rigid structures. They are more common in eukaryotes than prokaryotes and may either be exclusively intrinsically disordered or hybrid proteins, consisting of a mix of ordered and disordered regions. The absence of a rigid structure in these proteins can be...
19.4K
01:18Incentive Theory: Pull Theory of Motivation
919
Incentive theory, or the "pull theory" of motivation, suggests that external rewards primarily drive behavior. Individuals are motivated to engage in activities when they anticipate a desirable outcome. This is why people often work hard for promotions or study intensively to achieve high grades. These incentives can be tangible, physical rewards such as money or promotions, or intangible, non-physical rewards like praise and social recognition.
The theory differentiates between...
The theory differentiates between...
919
01:29Bone Disorders
5.4K
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
5.4K
01:27Disorders of Erythrocytes
2.2K
Disorders of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), include a range of conditions affecting their number, shape, or function.
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
2.2K