Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder) : Clinical Characteristics, Psychological Interventions and Emotional Effects

Trichotillomania is defined as recurrent pulling of one's own hair, leading to marked hair loss and functional impairment. This disease involves irresistible and recurrent urges to pull out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes or other areas of the body. Hair pulling from the scalp often causes patchy bald spots, which causes significant distress to the patient, and can interfere with work and social activities. This disease causes tremendous impact on a patient's mental health and quality of life, particularly if it is left untreated. Different treatment options can help patients reduce their hair pulling or stop entirely. The book Trichotillomania: Clinical Characteristics, Psychological Interventions and Emotional Effects, edited by the physicians specialized in psychodermatologist Katlein Franca and Mohammad Jafferany, presents a comprehensive overview of this important and neglected disease. A team of experts brings a historical review of trichotillomania, the role of trichotillomania in the upcoming field of trichopsychodermatology, dermatopathological overview, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments and the emotional regulation hypothesis of trichotillomania, basic concepts, advances, updates, pathophysiological and neuro-anatomical aspects of trichotillomania. This book is aimed at educating dermatologists, psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists to have a broader view of trichotillomania, and brings a different perspective in diagnosing and managing this disease.