Overview

The phenomenon of trichotillomania, or hair pulling, has been observed for centuries. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates noted hair pulling as one of the many symptoms that the physician was advised to assess as routine matter. In modern culture, ""pulling one's hair out"" is more typically referred to in the context of depression, frustration, boredom, or emotional turmoil. In truth, hair pulling is a highly prevalent behaviour that may be associated with significant morbidity. This volume addresses the importance of the study of hair pulling from both a clinical and a research perspective. Documenting the clinical phenomenology, morbidity, and management of trichotillomania, it discusses the phenomenology of childhood trichotillomania, providing a comprehensive description of its symptoms and sequelae. Contributions on the assessment of trichotillomania and a detailed cognitive-behavioural treatment plan should be of particular value to the clinician. The use of medication, the place of a psychodynamic perspective, the value of behavioural interventions and the role of hypnotherapy are also discussed. This work documents the significance of research on trichotillomania for obtaining a broader understanding of complex brain-behaviour relationships. While research has suggested that hair pulling lies on the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive disorder, a range of evidence is presented that indicates important differences between trichotillomania and OCD.

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9780880487597

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Overall, this is a solid review of relevant empirical data, and many readers will find it a useful introduction to trichotillomania, albeit with a strong psychiatric flavor. * Readings: A Journal of Reviews and Commentary in Mental Health * The greatest strength of Trichotillomania is the section on treatment. The editors sought out the world's experts on pharmacologic, behavioral, hypnotic, and psychotherapeutic treatments for trichotillomania. Each of these experts gives a clear, concise description of the methods used in the treatment of compulsive hair pulling.... Given the fact that 1 percent of Americans have trichotillomania, every health care professional should read this clear, concise guidebook. * The New England Journal of Medicine * In this first textbook devoted exclusively to trichotillomania, the editors provide us with a timely and comprehensive review of this interesting disorder... This book is a must-read for psychiatrists who treat or are planning to treat these interesting and challenging patients. * Psychiatric Times *

In this first textbook devoted exclusively to trichotillomania, the editors provide us with a timely and comprehensive review of this interesting disorder... This book is a must-read for psychiatrists who treat or are planning to treat these interesting and challenging patients. -- Psychiatric Times

<p> In this first textbook devoted exclusively to trichotillomania, the editors provide us with a timely and comprehensive review of this interesting disorder... This book is a must-read for psychiatrists who treat or are planning to treat these interesting and challenging patients. -- Psychiatric Times

Author Information

Dan J. Stein, M.B., is Director of the MRC Research Unit on Anxiety and Stress Disorders in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Stellenbosch in Cape Town, South Africa. Gary A. Christenson, M.D., is Director of the Mental Health Clinic, Boynton Health Service at the University of Minnesota , and Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Eric Hollander, M.D., is Professor of Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York, New York.

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