Trichotillomania: An Investigation of Prevalence in a Pediatric Sample

Hair pulling behaviors are present in a number of clinical conditions and result in functional impairment and may pose a health risk to the individual. Investigation of non-clinical adult samples has suggested that some degree of hair pulling is common in the community at large. Considering the relative scarcity of information on hair pulling in non-clinical children, the anecdotal suggestion that such behaviors are prevalent among children, and the potential health implications, the researchers propose a study to investigate the presence and nature of hair pulling behaviors among children aged 4 to 17 years. A total of 250 parents of children between the ages of 4-17 years will be surveyed. Children will not be asked to do anything for this study. We expect to see at least a 3% prevalence in the pediatric sample. Individuals will be recruited from Soho Tan Spa. Surveys will be handed out to parents upon arriving for them to complete. They will be given instructions on how to complete them and be directed to return them to the PI. No identifying information will be collected. Due to the scarcity of information on this subject, any information is helpful. Results are pending