Psychological Management of Trichotillomania Using Eclectic Approach: A Case Report

Trichotillomania is a condition that gives people a strong desire to pull out their hair. People having this condition pull their hair from the scalp, eyebrows and other areas of body. Ms. X was 18 years old female, B.Com 1st year student, with a history of hair pulling; feeling good when gets scolded, and in scratching and pressing wound since the past 4 years, and since last one year problems increased. She started eating soil and developed social withdrawal, low mood and negative cognitions. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Sack’s Sentence Completion Test (SSCT), Human Figure Drawing Test (HFDT) and Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), were administered for assessing depression, identifying conflicts, and personality dimensions of the patient. The findings revealed mild level of depression, moderate level of conflict, negative cognitions, sad mood and inadequate ego structure. The environment was mostly perceived as depriving, dominating and unsupportive. Based on problem areas, psycho-education, supportive therapy and cognitive behavior therapy was done using eclectic approach in 12 sessions. Patient showed significant improvement in her symptoms and developed positive attitude towards family members and significant others. Improvements were maintained after 6 months follow-up period.