Open AccessTrichotillomania and Skin-Picking Disorder: An Update
Author(s) -
Jon E. Grant,
Samuel R. Chamberlain
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
focus/focus (american psychiatric publishing. online)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1541-4108
pISSN - 1541-4094
DOI - 10.1176/appi.focus.20210013
Subject(s) - disfigurement , body dysmorphic disorder , anxiety , olanzapine , psychiatry , depression (economics) , psychology , medicine , clinical psychology , dermatology , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , surgery , economics , macroeconomics
Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder) and skin-picking (excoriation) disorder are common neuropsychiatric disorders (each with a point prevalence of around 2%) but are underrecognized by professionals. Affected individuals repeatedly pull out their own hair or pick at their skin, and these symptoms not only have a negative impact on these individuals because of the time they occupy but can also lead to considerable physical disfigurement, with concomitant loss of self-esteem and avoidance of social activities and intimate relationships. The behaviors may also have serious physical consequences. Trichotillomania and skin picking frequently co-occur, and both disorders commonly present with co-occurring depression, anxiety, impulsive, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Behavioral therapy currently appears to be the most effective treatment for both. Pharmacotherapy, in the form of N -acetylcysteine or olanzapine, may also play a role in treatment.