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Early childhood trichotillomania: Initial considerations on phenomenology, treatment, and future directions
Author(s) -
Park Jennifer M.,
Rahman Omar,
Murphy Tanya K.,
Storch Eric A.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
infant mental health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1097-0355
pISSN - 0163-9641
DOI - 10.1002/imhj.21317
Subject(s) - conceptualization , psychology , extant taxon , intervention (counseling) , phenomenology (philosophy) , psychotherapist , developmental psychology , early childhood , clinical psychology , psychiatry , philosophy , evolutionary biology , biology , epistemology , artificial intelligence , computer science
Historically, trichotillomania (TTM) in young children (0–3 years old) generally has been considered to be a benign habit that is clinically distinct from the TTM seen in older children and adults. However, early childhood TTM can be an impairing pathological disorder that merits formal intervention. The present article reviews the extant literature on TTM in young children, highlighting the limited available phenomenological data. We discuss a behavioral approach to conceptualization and treatment, highlighting core intervention strategies in three early childhood TTM cases seen in our clinic. We conclude by discussing areas in need of further empirical attention.