Hypnotherapy: an effective treatment modality for trichotillomania.
This study describes a non-pharmacological treatment modality for children with trichotillomania. Three children with trichotillomania were treated using a hypnotherapy technique. All patients were observed in the outpatient clinic for 8 consecutive weeks and subsequently followed for 12-18 months. All children were cooperative in performing the hypnotherapy technique (relaxation/mental imagery). Two patients reported complete resolution of their complaints after 7-8 weeks and 1 patient after 16 weeks. The latter, reporting recurrence of the complaint after 4 weeks due to stressful school problems, was resolved after successful retreatment over 3 weeks. During a mean follow-up period of 16 months, there were no recurrences. In conclusion, hypnotherapy may be considered as a primary treatment modality for trichotillomania in children without associated emotional disorders.
Cohen
H A
HA
Pediatric Ambulatory Center, Petach Tikva, Israel.
Barzilai
A
A
Lahat
E
E
D000505:Alopecia / Q000209:etiology; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis; D008297:Male; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014256:Trichotillomania / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*