These findings support previous work demonstrating significant differences between OCD and TTM.

• Abstract
• Background
• Methods
• Results
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Biology Articles » Psychobiology » Obsessive-compulsive disorder and trichotillomania: a phenomenological comparison » Conclusions

Conclusions

- Obsessive-compulsive disorder and trichotillomania: a phenomenological comparison

In conclusion, our data suggest that despite some overlap, TTM differs from OCD in terms of demographics (gender distribution), associated clinical variables (e.g. comorbidity, cognitive schemas, temperament/character profiles and disability), precipitating factors (trauma history) and treatment response. It has been suggested that although TTM is not the same as OCD, it lies on a compulsive-impulsive spectrum of disorders [54]. However, it is notable that impulsivity may be an important component of OCD [76], and rather than viewing OCD and TTM on a single dimension, compulsivity and impulsivity should arguably therefore be seen as lying on orthogonal dimensions. Although TTM patients had more novelty seeking, OCD patients were more likely to have intermittent explosive disorder; such data support a view that TTM should not be classified as an impulse control disorder. Indeed, TTM may have more in common with conditions characterized by stereotypical self-injurious symptoms, such as skin-picking [77]. Differences between OCD and TTM may reflect contrasts in underlying psychobiology, and may necessitate contrasting treatment approaches.