Trichotillomania

Abnormal Psychology Exam Reviewer

What is trichophagia?

A condition where people eat their pulled hair.

What dangerous condition can trichophagia cause?

Hair balls (trichobezoars) in the stomach.

What is Trichotillomania?

Recurrent hair pulling, leading to hair loss, attempts to stop, distress/impairment.

What is the prevalence of Trichotillomania in adults and adolescents?

~1–2%

What is the gender ratio for Trichotillomania in adults?

About 10:1 female-to-male.

What is the typical onset and course of Trichotillomania if untreated?

Childhood/adolescence; often chronic with waxing and waning.

What are some common comorbid conditions associated with Trichotillomania?

MDD, Anxiety disorders, Excoriation, Other body-focused repetitive behaviors.

Describe the cycle of Trichotillomania.

Urge/Tension → Hair Pulling → Relief/Gratification → Cycle Repeats

What are the biological factors contributing to Trichotillomania?

Genetic contribution; abnormalities in habit-learning circuits.

What psychological factors contribute to Trichotillomania?

Urges preceded by tension/negative states, followed by relief.

How is hair-pulling reinforced behaviorally in Trichotillomania?

Anxiety/tension reduction (negative reinforcement) or sensory gratification (positive reinforcement).

How does the psychodynamic perspective view hair pulling?

Symbolic expression of unconscious conflicts (e.g., aggression, self-punishment).

What are the five diagnostic criteria (A-E) for Trichotillomania according to DSM-5-TR?

Recurrent hair pulling
Attempts to stop
Distress/impairment
Not due to medical condition
Not better explained by another disorder.

What is the core behavioral treatment for Trichotillomania?

Habit Reversal Training (HRT): awareness + competing response.

What does CBT combine for Trichotillomania treatment?

HRT with cognitive restructuring.

What medications are sometimes prescribed for Trichotillomania?

SSRIs / clomipramine if comorbid OCD/depression present.

What is N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) used for in Trichotillomania treatment?

Some evidence for reducing urges.