Comorbid Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Trichotillomania.

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. Author affiliations are listed at the end of this article.