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Trichotillomania and Skin-Picking Disorder: Different Kinds of OCD


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Authors

Grant, Jon E 
Chamberlain, Samuel R 

Abstract

Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) and skin-picking disorder are common neuropsychiatric disorders 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 the individual because of the time they occupy but also can lead to considerable physical disfigurement, with concomitant loss of self-esteem and avoidance of social activities and intimate relationships. The behaviors may also have potentially serious physical consequences. Trichotillomania and skin picking frequently co-occur, and both disorders commonly present with co-occurring depression or anxiety. Currently, behavioral therapy appears to be the most effective treatment of both disorders. Pharmacotherapy in the form of N-acetylcysteine or olanzapine may play a role in treatment as well.

Description

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from the American Psychiatric Association via http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.130212

Keywords

5202 Biological Psychology, 5203 Clinical and Health Psychology, 32 Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 52 Psychology, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Depression, Brain Disorders, Neurosciences, Behavioral and Social Science, Mental health, Skin

Journal Title

Focus

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1541-4094
1541-4108

Volume Title

13

Publisher

American Psychiatric Association Publishing
Sponsorship
This research was supported by a grant from the National Center for Responsible Gaming to Dr. Grant. Dr. Chamberlain’s involvement in this work was funded by a grant from the Academy of Medical Sciences, UK.