Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
07:38
Strategies for Assessing Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice
Published on: September 20, 2024
Sexual functioning in trichotillomania and skin picking disorder
1Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
|July 2, 2026
Summary
This study found that adults with trichotillomania and skin picking disorder may experience sexual dysfunction, particularly impacting orgasm. Worse skin picking symptoms correlated with poorer sexual functioning.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Sexual Health
- Dermatology
Background:
- Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) and skin picking disorder are body-focused repetitive behaviors.
- Sexual functioning in these populations remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sexual functioning in adults diagnosed with trichotillomania and/or skin picking disorder.
- To explore the relationship between symptom severity and sexual dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- 334 adults recruited from online communities completed surveys on demographics, sexual functioning (Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire - Short Form), and pulling/picking severity.
- Comorbidities and treatment history were assessed.
Main Results:
- 27.1% of participants met criteria for sexual dysfunction.
- Worse current skin picking severity was significantly associated with lower scores on the Orgasm/Completion subscale.
- No significant associations were found between sexual dysfunction and comorbidities or treatment variables.
Conclusions:
- Worse skin picking symptoms are linked to poorer sexual functioning, especially concerning orgasm.
- Further research is needed to explore the impact of comorbidities on sexual functioning in this population.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Anxiety: Overview
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.
01:16Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles
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...
01:28Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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...
01:30Bulimia Nervosa
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...
01:26Modeling in Therapy
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 situations...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...