Trichotillomania: Hair Pulling Disorder

Trichotillomania (TTM) is a disorder where individuals cannot resist pulling out their hair, leading to noticeable hair loss and is often linked to stress. It is associated with psychiatric comorbidities and significant functional impairment. Habit reversal training, a type of cognitive behavioral therapy, has been shown to be an effective treatment for adults, with some promising pharmacotherapy options. Although TTM often begins in childhood, there is limited research on treatments for children and adolescents. Initial findings suggest that habit reversal training is effective for younger individuals, with potentially lower relapse rates compared to adults. However, treatment in the community is often inadequate, highlighting the need for better dissemination of habit reversal training.