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Trichotillomania

Rameeza Sheriff, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

  • Trichotillomania (TTM) is a hair-pulling disorder characterized by self-induced, repeated, and often noticeable hair loss. It can become severe and difficult to control.

  • TTM is currently concept...

DIAGNOSIS

  • TTM may be difficult to diagnose because individuals may deny it because of the social stigma and embarrassment.

  • Several TTM-specific assessment tools have been developed that further underst...

TREATMENT

  • Both psychological methods that include specific psychotherapies, pharmacologic treatment, and combined approaches.

  • Psychological treatment of TTM may be the primary treatment and is almost a...

ONGOING CARE

DIET

No special diet required 

PATIENT EDUCATION

  • TTM is a multifactorial condition. Not only do medications aid in the treatment of TTM but also psychological therapies may have a significan...

REFERENCES

1
Falkenstein  MJ, Conelea  CA, Garner  LE, et al. Sensory over-responsivity in trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder). Psychiatry Res.  2018;260:207–218. [Vie...

ADDITIONAL READING

Harrison  JP, Franklin  ME. Pediatric trichotillomania. Curr Psychiatry Rep.  2012;14(3):188–196. [View Abstract on OvidMedline]  

CODES

ICD10

F63.3 Trichotillomania 

SNOMED

  • 17155009 trichotillomania (disorder)

  • 5125001 Habitual eating of own hair (finding)

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Etiology of TTM is multifactorial and differs among individuals. It is important to distinguish between different etiologies.

  • Patients may benefit from psychotherapy and selected medica...

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