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Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development pp 1505–1508Cite as

Trichotillomania

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Synonyms

Chronic hair pulling; Hair pulling

Definition

Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder that involves the pulling out of one’s own hair that leads to physical damage and/or difficulties in social, occupational, or other types of functioning. In many, but not all, cases the hair pulling is preceded by a feeling of tension or arousal that is reduced or negated by the pulling. The pulling may occur from many sites but the scalp is the most common pulling area. The pulling is commonly done with one’s fingers but devices such as tweezers are also used. Finally, the pulled hair is often manipulated, and in a small percentage of people it is ingested.

Description

Trichotillomania (TTM) is defined as recurrent or chronic hair pulling that (a) is preceded by an immediate increase in tension due to the pulling itself or by attempts to resist pulling; (b) results in feelings of gratification, pleasure or relief; (c) is not accounted for by another disorder; and (d) results in...

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Suggested Readings

  • Franklin, M. E., & Tolin, D. F. (2007). Treating trichotillomania: Cognitive-behavioral therapy for hairpulling and related problems. New York: Springer Science.

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  • Stein, D. J., Christenson, G. A., & Hollander, E. (1999). Trichotillomania. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press.

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  • Woods, D. W., & Miltenberger, R. G. (2001). Tic disorders, trichotillomania, and other repetitive behavior disorders: Behavioral approaches to analysis and treatment. Norwell, MA: Kluwer Academic Publishers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Utah State University, 2810 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, USA

    Michael P. Twohig & Katherine A. Crowell

Authors
  1. Michael P. Twohig
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  2. Katherine A. Crowell
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Correspondence to Michael P. Twohig .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Neurology, Learning and Behavior Center, 230 South 500 East, Suite 100, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84102, USA

    Sam Goldstein Ph.D.

  2. Department of Psychology MS 2C6, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA

    Jack A. Naglieri Ph.D. (Professor of Psychology) (Professor of Psychology)

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Twohig, M.P., Crowell, K.A. (2011). Trichotillomania. In: Goldstein, S., Naglieri, J.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_2952

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_2952

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-387-77579-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-387-79061-9

  • eBook Packages: Behavioral Science

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