Objective: To examine rates of current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults with trichotillomania and further assess how PTSD impacts symptom severity and functionality.
Methods: 209 adults with trichotillomania completed a self-report form for PTSD. The survey was open between April 10, 2023, and May 11, 2023. Independent sample t-tests and Pearson χ2 tests were used to analyze differences in symptom severity and comorbidity presence between participants with and without co-occurring PTSD.
Results: Forty (19.1%) individuals with trichotillomania endorsed symptoms consistent with current PTSD. Participants with PTSD were significantly more likely to be male, to have a co-occurring alcohol use disorder, and to engage in various impulsive behaviors (gambling, sex, stealing, and eating). There were no significant associations between PTSD status and trichotillomania symptom severity.
Conclusion: PTSD is frequently comorbid with trichotillomania, and their co occurrence enhances the risk for a range of impulsive behaviors. Future research should examine whether treating the core trauma in a subset of people with trichotillomania may address a range of co-occurring disorders.
Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2024;26(4):24m03751.
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