Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-v9fdk Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-15T19:52:28.018Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Psychosocial and Economic Implications of Trichotillomania: A Pilot Study in a South African Sample

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

Soraya Seedat  and
Dan J. Stein
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Trichotillomania (TTM) is increasingly being recognized as a prevalent disorder. Nevertheless, few data are available regarding the effects of TTM on quality of life or the economic costs associated with this disorder. Two hundred members of the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Association of South Africa were surveyed in this pilot study, using a detailed self-report questionnaire. Of the 75 respondents, 27 reported hair pulling as a symptom. Results from this investigation indicate that hair pulling may be associated with substantial morbidity, including significant effects on occupational, academic, social, and family functioning. Additional costs may be incurred by delays in seeking treatment and incorrect diagnoses. While further work in a larger sample of patients is clearly needed, psychoeducation of practitioners and the public on TTM may result in earlier referral, diagnosis, treatment, and greater cost savings in the long term.

Type
Feature Article
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 3 , Issue 9: Trichotillomania: A New Understanding , October 1998 , pp. 40 - 43
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1998

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1.Christenson, GA, Pyle, RL, Mitchell, JE. Estimated lifetime prevalence of trichotillomania in college students. J Clin Psychiatry. 1992;52:415–417.Google Scholar
2.Rothbaum, BO, Shaw, L, Morris, R, Ninan, PT. Prevalence of trichotillomania in a college freshman population. J Clin Psychiatry. 1993;54:72–73.Google Scholar
3.Christenson, GA, Mackenzie, TB, Mitchell, JE. Characteristics of 60 adult hair pullers. Am J Psychiatry. 1991;148:365–370.Google Scholar
4.Cohen, LJ, Stein, DJ, Simeon, D, et al.Clinical profile, comorbidity, and treatment history in 123 hair pullers: a survey study. J Clin Psychiatry. 1995;56:319–326.Google Scholar
5.American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 1994.Google Scholar
6.Bouwer, C, Stein, DJ. Trichobezoars in trichotillomania: case report and literature review. Psychosom Med. In press.Google Scholar
7.Soriano, JL, O'Sullivan, RL, Baer, L, Phillips, KA, McNally, RJ, Jenike, MA. Trichotillomania and self-esteem: a survey of 62 female hair pullers. J Clin Psychiatry. 1996;57:77–82.Google Scholar
8.Stein, DJ, Roberts, M, Hollander, E, Rowland, C, Serebro, P. Quality of life and pharmaco-economic aspects of obsessive-compulsive disorder: a South African survey. S Afr Med J. 1996;86.1579–1585.Google ScholarPubMed
9.Hollander, E, Stein, DJ, Kwon, JH, et al.Psychosocial function and economic costs of obsessive-compulsive disorder. CNS Spectrums. 1997;2:16–25.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
10.Goodman, WK, Price, LH, Rasmussen, LH, et al.The Yale Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. Part I. Development, use, and reliability. Arch Gen Psychiatry: 1989;46:1006–1011.Google Scholar
11.Keuthen, NJ, O'Sullivan, RL, Goodchild, P, Rodriguez, D, Jenike, MA, Baer, L. Retrospective review of treatment outcome for 63 patients with trichotillomania. Am J Psychiatry. 1998;155:560–561.Google Scholar