The use of pharmacologic pain sensitization in the treatment of repetitive hair-pulling.
A significant problem for many individuals who engage in repetitive hair-pulling is the fact that they experience no discomfort associated with their behavior, and can thus carry on with hair-pulling outside of conscious awareness. The present case study was an attempt to address this problem through the use of a commercially available topical cream which enhances pain sensitivity. A 38-yr-old female applied the cream daily to two affected areas on her scalp. The increased pain sensitization, in conjunction with the habit reversal technique, resulted in markedly decreased hair-pulling.
Ristvedt
S L
SL
Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA.
Christenson
G A
GA
D000328:Adult; D001348:Aversive Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010146:Pain / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000523:psychology*; D014256:Trichotillomania / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*
D007509:Irritants; D002211:Capsaicin