Trichotillomania

Paper Summary:

This paper is a proposal to conduct research on trichotillomania, a recently identified abnormal psychology disorder, which involves the habitual pulling of hair. The disorder often results in patches of hair loss, occasionally also resulting in missing eyebrows or eyelashes, and occasionally pubic hair. The paper points out that there have been several studies, which have identified factors in a sufferer's life which may be impacted upon by the disorder. However, there are few studies which have identified the effects on overall quality of life in the individual. There have also been no attempts to differentiate the effect between males and females, although it may be expected that there would be differences between the two. This study uses a combination of standardized tests including quality of life measurements to construct a questionnaire to be given to trichotillomania sufferers. To conclude, the paper states that the results are compared to the same study conducted among a control group of non-sufferers in order to obtain information which demonstrates the overall impact on quality of life from trichotillomania.

Outline:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Background
Research Questions
Hypothesis
Methods and Procedures
Limitations
Discussion
Results

From the Paper:

"Study participants will be approached through the Trichotillomania Information Centre. The group supplies information to sufferers of TTM as well as participating in research studies. The group holds a list of members, many of which are sufferers of TTM. The group will be approached to send a request to all members to appeal to members who are willing to participate in the study. In order to be selected for participation the individual must have been diagnosed with TTM according to the DSM-IV criteria. The participants which are identified will be sent a questionnaire through the post along with a stamped addressed envelope. The respondents will remain anonymous to protect their confidentiality. There will be a suitable period allowed for the surveys to be returned and then all the information will be collected together for analysis. There will also be a control group asked to participate in the study to form comparisons with the TTM group. The participants for the control group will be recruited from the population of college students. The exclusion criteria for the control group will be any individual which has been diagnosed with any anxiety or depression disorder. This exclusion is in place as there may not be adequate distinction made in the survey to differentiate between TTM and other disorders, which may affect the results in the control group."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Casati, J., Toner, B.B. and Yu, B. (2000) Psychological issues for women with trichotillomania. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 41: 344-351.
• Christenson, G.A., Pyle, R.L. and Mitchell, J.E. (1991) Estimated lifetime prevalence of trichotillomania in college students. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 52: 415-417.
• Diefenbach, G.J., Tolin, D.F., Hannan, S., Crocetto, J. and Worhunsky, P. (2005) Trichotillomania: Impact on psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 43: 869-884.
• du Toit, P.L., van Kradenburg, J., Nielhaus, D.J.H. and Stein, D.J. (2001) Characteristics and phenomenology of hair-pulling: An exploration of subtypes. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 42: 247-256.
• Gray-Little, B., Williams, V.S.L. and Hancock, T.D. (1997) An item response theory analysis of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Personality and Social Psychology, 23: 443-551.

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