title: Hairstylists' experience with chronic hair pulling.
abstract: This study examined 88 hairstylists' awareness, exposure, and perceptions about treatment for people with trichotillomania (TTM). We investigated the influence of hairstylists' obtained educational level, years of experience, and understanding of TTM in relation to their willingness to refer clients for mental health treatment. Results indicate that hairstylists notice hair loss and discussed this with their clients. Hairstylists generally reported a favorable opinion of psychotherapy and a willingness to refer clients to mental health professionals. No measured variables (e.g. experience, education, or awareness of TTM) predicted willingness to refer clients for treatment. Overall, the results from this study suggest that hairstylists may aid in the early identification of TTM symptoms, particularly for females because a greater proportion of clients seen by hairstylists are females and females more commonly present with symptoms of TTM.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA. ljordan6@gmail.com
authors.forename: Laura M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Jordan
authors.forename: Cary
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jordan
authors.forename: Michael L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Sulkowski
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: Gary R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Geffken
authors.forename: Eric A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Storch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009790:Occupations; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014256:Trichotillomania / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*