Trichotillomania: a psychopathological perspective and the psychiatric comorbidity of hair pulling
Open accessAbstract
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
- ORCID
- 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
- bronze
- doi.org
- 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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