Trichotillomania and personality traits from the five-factor model

Objective: To examine whether personality traits have predictive validity for trichotillomania (TTM) diagnosis, pulling severity and control, and hair pulling style. Methods: In study 1, logistic regression was used with TTM cases (n=54) and controls (n=25) to determine if NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) personality domains predicted TTM case vs. control classification. In study 2, hierarchical multiple regression was used with TTM cases (n=164) to determine whether NEO-FFI personality domains predicted hair pulling severity and control as well as focused and automatic pulling styles. Results: TTM case vs. control status was predicted by NEO-FFI neuroticism. Every 1-point increase in neuroticism scores resulted in a 10% greater chance of TTM diagnosis. Higher neuroticism, higher openness, and lower agreeableness were associated with greater pulling severity. Higher neuroticism was also associated with less control over hair pulling. Higher neuroticism and lower openness were associated with greater focused pulling. None of the personality domains predicted automatic hair pulling. Conclusions: Personality traits, especially neuroticism, can predict TTM diagnosis, hair pulling severity and control, and the focused style of pulling. None of the personality traits predicted automatic pulling. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether personality variables predispose to TTM onset, impact disorder course, and/or result from hair pulling behavior.

Tricotilomania: revisão da literatura / Trichotillomania

Um número substancial de pacientes sofrre de tricotilomania, uma doença psiquiátrica com manifestações dermatológicas. Pessoas que sofrem de tricotilomania normalmente sabem de sua doença, mas não procuram ajuda devido à vergonha que sentem. Neste artigo, os autores discutem as características clinicas e propedêuticas da tricotilomania, com ênfase nos aspectos psiquiátricos dos pacientes.

A substancial number of patients are suffering about trichotilomania, a psychiatric disease that has dermatological manifestations. People who suffer about trichotillomania, generally know about their disease, but they don't look after help due to the shame that feel. In this article, the authors discuss the clinical characteristics and propedeutic of trichotillomania, with emphasis on the psychiatric aspects of the patients.

Clinical and psychoneurotic profile of patients with trichotillomania

Trichotillomania [TR] is a form of traction alopecia resulting from compulsive repetitive removal of one's own hair. To describe the clinical and psychological characteristics of patients with Trichotillomania. Descriptive case-series study. The dermatology clinic in Mosul Teaching Hospital, during the period of one year [1996]. Participants: Thirty patients were diagnosed to have TR among all attendants to the clinic, during the span of the study period of one year. Clinical assessment of the lesion and psychological background of patients using the psychoneurotic profile [Crown-Crisp Experiential Index] [CCEI]. Two third of the patients were under the age of 20 years. TR affects more females than males with a ratio of 2:1.The lesions are usually multiple scalp lesions that are moderately large In size. Separation from one's own family [one third of patients] and emotionally sensitive personality [one sixth of patients] are the common precipitating factors. Patients are inclined to show obsessive, hysterical and depressive attitudes