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Treatment of an Adult with Trichotillomania

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Clinical Handbook of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

Abstract

Trichotillomania (TTM) is an impulse-control disorder characterized by the pulling of scalp, facial, and/or body hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss. It is associated with significant functional impairment, such as poor school and work performance, disruption in family functioning, and social impairment. This chapter will focus on adults with TTM through a review of the relevant research, an overview of the nature of the problem, and a description and assessment of a clinical case. A detailed treatment overview will follow, describing the use of habit reversal training (HRT) for reducing symptoms and improving functioning, along with a discussion of complicating factors. Finally, the chapter will highlight key practice points for clinicians treating adult TTM patients.

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Correspondence to Martin E. Franklin PhD .

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Franklin, M., Silber, M. (2016). Treatment of an Adult with Trichotillomania. In: Storch, E., Lewin, A. (eds) Clinical Handbook of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17139-5_16

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