PSYCH 127A Chapter Notes - Chapter 6.10: Trichotillomania, Cognitive Model, Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Document Summary
Trichotillomania - recurrent hair pulling resulting in severe hair loss. Typically pulled from scalp, eyebrows or eyelids but can be from any area of the body. Unsuccessful attempt to resist or stop pulling hair. Excoriation - repeated skin picking which produces skin lesions. Most pick at skin on face, arms or hands. Reduction in feelings after problem behavior stops. Picking and pulling behaviors may serve the purpose of regulating negative emotional states but are not specifically triggered by intrusive, unwanted thoughts and impulses like in ocd. Individuals with skin picking and hair pulling describe a trance like state while engaging in behavior while ocd patients are acutely aware of what they are doing when they engage in compulsive rituals. Pattern of improvement mixed with some persistent symptoms. Follow up study for patients treated between 1947-53. 5 year follow up: less than 30% of patients were rated as recovered at the first follow up interview.
