TRICHOTILLOMANIA - CURRENT ISSUES IN CONCEPTUALIZATION AND TREATMENT

Trichotillomania is a little-known disorder with wider prevalence and more significant consequences than previously believed. While sharing similarities with obsessive-compulsive disorder, compelling difference s from it have also been noted. This fact, coupled with recognized ove rlap with other obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, has resulted in the ongoing evolution of our conceptualization of this illness. Whi le empirical evidence supports the use of behavioral treatment and pha rmacotherapy, considerable research is still needed before we can prom ise highly effective interventions tailored to the individual hairpull er. This review will summarize the evidence supporting, as well as cha llenging, a hypothesized link with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Curr ent treatment approaches will be reviewed, as well as evidence for the ir efficacy. Suggestions will be made for future directions in this fi eld.