Description
Book SynopsisUnderestimated, under-researched, and often poorly understood, the body-focused repetitive disorders nevertheless cause human suffering that is serious, persistent, and pervasive. These disorders can occur in both adults and children and manifest themselves as hair pulling (trichotillomania), pathologic skin picking, thumb sucking, and nail biting. Although these disorders are common, very few medical students and residents hear them addressed in lectures or know where to begin when confronted with a patient presenting with these behaviors. Trichotillomania, Skin Picking, and Other Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors seeks to remedy this situation by synthesizing the latest research on body-focused repetitive disorders and presenting it in a systematic, easy-to-grasp manner.
Much has changed in the more than a decade since the last book on this topic was published. This new volume reflects the most current and substantive research into the etiology and symptoms of body-focused repetitive disorders and therapeutic options. Organized in logical fashion, it begins with a review of the clinical characteristics, moves on to diagnosis and evaluation, and concludes with a full review of treatment options. Special features include:
• Extensive material to help clinicians and patients understand the underlying purpose of engaging in these behaviors, which include, reducing tension, regulating strong emotion, and alleviating boredom.
• Separate chapters on adults and children, who may have a different presentation and a different set of treatment options. An additional chapter focuses on the role of the child patient's family in the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.
• Thorough coverage of the full range of treatments—including psychotherapy, medication, and alternative treatments—which provides the clinician with an evidence-based approach to treating patients.
• Discussion of the psychobiology of hair pulling and skin picking, which allows the reader to understand and contextualize the disorder from a neurological perspective and offers clues that may assist in optimizing treatment.
• A presentation style that is detailed enough for clinicians, yet accessible enough for a lay audience, including patients with the disorder and the families who seek to understand and support them.
Trichotillomania, Skin Picking, and Other Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors fills a critical gap in the literature by addressing this common and frequently debilitating disorder in an utterly current, highly practical, and wholly compassionate manner.
Trade ReviewWhile psychiatric books line the shelves of libraries and bookstores, there is a
dearth of books that focus on BFRBs. As the editors poignantly point out, BFRBs
are a key aspect of human suffering yet are an often neglected area of clinical
care. This book answers the call for a publication that gives undivided attention to BFRBs. Clinicians now will be fully prepared with the latest knowledge, proper evaluation techniques, and cutting-edge treatment options for patients with these disorders.
-- Bradley R. Cutler, M.D., * Doody's Enterprises, Inc. *
This slim volume is a readable, well-written, and concise manual that includes several important gems in the diagnosis and treatment of trichotillomania, skin picking, and body-focused repetitive behaviors that will be of interest to practitioners from a variety of disciplines. An excellent review of the research to date is accomplished, illustrating that we do know much about these behavioral problems.
-- Juanita N. Baker and A. Celeste Harvey * PsycCRITIQUES *
Table of ContentsContributors
Introduction
Part 1: Clinical Characteristics
Chapter 1. Trichotillomania: epidemiology and clinical characteristics
Chapter 2. Pathologic skin picking
Chapter 3. Habitual stereotypic movements: a descriptive analysis of four common types
Chapter 4. Psychobiology of hair pulling disorder (trichotillomania) and skin picking disorder
Part 2: Diagnosis and Evaluation
Chapter 5. Diagnosis and comorbidity
Chapter 6. Dermatological assessment of hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting
Chapter 7. Diagnosis and evaluation: trichotillomania, skin picking, and other stereotypic behaviors in children
Chapter 8. Assessment of trichotillomania, pathological skin picking, and stereotypic movement disorder
Part 3: Treatment
Chapter 9. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for pediatric trichotillomania
Chapter 10. Cognitive-behavioral therapy in adults
Chapter 11. Alternative treatments
Chapter 12. Pharmacotherapy
Chapter 13. Family involvement in the treatment of children with body-focused repetitive behaviors
Index
