Behavioral treatment of trichotillomania: A case study

Once considered a rare clinical condition, trichotillomania is now recognized as a psychological disorder that is more prevalent than previously thought. The behavioral treatment of a 21-year old college woman with a longstanding history of chronic hair pulling is described in this case study. The extent of the trichotillomania was measured during an 11-day baseline period (self-monitoring, photographs) followed by 4 months of behavioral treatment including prominent components of habit-reversal training. The results of the intervention were suggestive of a substantial reduction in hair pulling incidents, hair re-growth in the affected parts of her scalp, and self-reported improvements in mood, anxiety, and self-esteem. Limitations of these data are reviewed and recommendations for clinicians who intend on treating trichotillomania are provided.