Therapeutic Aspects of Trichotillomania: A Review of Current Treatment Options

Trichotillomania (TTM) is a disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of hair pulling that affects a growing and diverse patient population. The behavior is a result of conscious or unconscious stimuli aimed at alleviating stress. TTM can be diagnosed, typically by a psychiatrist or dermatologist, with various assessment tools and scales. Although researchers continue to discover new pharmacologic regimens and nonpharmacologic therapies, there is no single, effective, US Food and Drug Administration-approved option available for patients. Treatment of TTM with the least occurrence of relapse consists of a combination of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options and calls for the involvement of a multidisciplinary team along with family members and friends. This review provides an analysis of the current treatment modalities in the management of TTM and highlights the need for further epidemiologic, genetic, neuroimaging, and dietary research to better understand the complicated nature of the disorder.’ ‹