Trichotillomania
ICD-10 F63.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of trichotillomania.
Trichotillomania, classified under impulse control disorders in the ICD-10, is characterized by the recurrent, irresistible urge to pull out one’s hair, leading to noticeable hair loss. This condition can affect any area of the body where hair grows, including the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. The behavior often serves as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or emotional distress, and may be associated with other psychiatric conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Individuals with trichotillomania may experience feelings of tension before pulling hair and relief or gratification afterward. The disorder can significantly impair social, occupational, and other areas of functioning, leading to distress and embarrassment. Treatment typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), habit reversal training, and sometimes pharmacotherapy. Understanding the psychological underpinnings of trichotillomania is crucial for effective management, as it often intersects with personality disorders and maladaptive behaviors, particularly in how individuals cope with their emotions and stressors.
Detailed patient history, including onset, duration, and triggers of hair pulling; assessment of co-occurring disorders; treatment plan and response.
Initial diagnosis of trichotillomania, treatment adjustments based on patient response, and management of co-occurring anxiety or mood disorders.
Consideration of the patient's psychosocial environment and support systems is essential for effective treatment.
Clinical evaluation of hair loss patterns, ruling out other dermatological conditions, and documentation of any skin damage due to hair pulling.
Assessment of hair loss in patients presenting with trichotillomania, treatment of skin conditions resulting from hair pulling.
Collaboration with mental health professionals may be necessary for comprehensive care.
Used for therapy sessions addressing trichotillomania.
Session notes must detail the therapeutic approach and patient progress.
Psychiatrists should document the specific techniques used in therapy.
The primary treatment for trichotillomania includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically habit reversal training, which helps patients become aware of their hair-pulling triggers and develop alternative coping strategies.
