Cited by 15Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum DisordersBody Image and Dysmorphia StudiesHair Growth and Disorders

Trichotillomania: a psychopathological perspective and the psychiatric comorbidity of hair pulling

Open access
Anwar, Sarah, Jafferany, Mohammad·2019·Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina Pannonica et Adriatica

Abstract

Trichotillomania, or hair-pulling disorder, is classified as an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder and is seen predominantly in females. This is a non-systematic review article focusing on the psychopathological features of hair pulling. It is speculated that hair pulling may function to provide short-term relief from stress and other unwanted emotional states, thus serving as a method of emotion regulation. The prevalence of trichotillomania ranges from 1 to 3%. The most targeted site is the scalp, and other common areas include pubic hair and facial regions such as the eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard. Individuals suffering from this disorder tend to avoid social environments due to embarrassment regarding their appearance and fears of being judged by peers. Trichotillomania is associated with significant functional impairment and increased risks of comorbid psychiatric disorders such as other body-focused repetitive behaviors, depression, anxiety, and addictive disorders. This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and psychopathology of trichotillomania with an emphasis on psychopathology and psychiatric comorbidity.

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Authors
Anwar, S., & Jafferany, M.
Affiliations
  • Tufts University (US)
  • Central Michigan University (US)
Corresponding author
Jafferany, Mohammad
Venue
Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina Pannonica et Adriatica
Published
2019
Volume
28
Issue
1
Pages
33-36
ISSN
1318-4458 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2921829445
Cited by
15
References
28
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 2
FWCI
1.75
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina Pannonica et Adriatica (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Urology › Hair Growth and Disorders
Keywords
trichotillomania, hair pulling, obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, psychopathology, psychiatric comorbidity, emotion regulation, stress reduction, body-focused repetitive behaviors, depression, anxiety, addiction, social avoidance, scalp hair loss, prevalence, diagnostic criteria
MeSH terms
Female, Humans, Male, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Prognosis, Psychopathology, Trichotillomania, Comorbidity, Prevalence, Sex Distribution, Risk Assessment

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