Behavioral and Pharmacological Treatment of Trichotillomania

339 Hair pulling, known as trichotillomania (TTM), has become increasingly recognized as an often chronic problem for a large number of individuals, most of whom are women. This paper discusses current conceptualizations of TTM with particular focus on the medical and behavioral approaches. The relationship of TTM to other disorders is discussed and issues in pharmacotherapy that are unique to TTM are reviewed. A comprehensive behavioral model (ComB) that explains the environmental, motoric, sensory, cognitive, and affective patterns involved in hair pulling is presented. This model is used to describe how a clinician can develop treatment plans tailored to individual patients, including specific strategies for hair pulling reduction. Potential pitfalls and complications that may occur during treatment are also discussed. [Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 3:339–352 (2003)]