Recent Advances in the Understanding and Treatment of Trichotillomania

Abstract

Trichotillomania (TTM), or chronic hair pulling, is associated with significant levels of distress and impairment. While research is in its infancy, more data are accumulating regarding the impact, phenomenology, maintaining variables, etiology, and treatment of TTM. Behavior therapy and clomipramine have been moderately effective in reducing TTM symptoms in clinical trials. Enhancing behavior therapy with techniques designed to address TTM patients’ emotional control tendencies (e.g., acceptance-based procedures) represents a promising direction in treating TTM.