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Trichotillomania

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Martin J O'Sullivan  and
H Paul Redmond
Martin J O'Sullivan
Affiliation:
Academic Department of Surgery, National University of Ireland, Cork and Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
H Paul Redmond
Affiliation:
Academic Department of Surgery, National University of Ireland, Cork and Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
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Abstract

Trichotillomania is a relatively uncommon condition that classically occurs in young females. It can result in trichobezoar formation, which is usually managed successfully by surgical intervention, although rarely it can be fatal. This article presents a brief review of trichotillomania. A literature search was performed for ‘trichotillomania’ using the PubMed database, and relevant papers and their references were researched. This review commences by defining the condition and considering its presentation and its prevalence. Diagnostic dilemmas including differential diagnosis and the uncertainty about structural abnormalities in the brain as indicated by magnetic resonance imaging findings are then reviewed. Finally we examine the current treatment options of this interesting condition.

Keywords

TrichotillomaniaReviewDiagnosisTreatment
Type
Review
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 18 , Issue 4 , December 2001 , pp. 137 - 139
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2001

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