Massachusetts General Hospital | Psychiatry

 

The Trichotillomania Clinic and Research Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School was founded more than 20 years ago. It is one of a few clinics in the world that offers specialized treatment for trichotillomania and other body-focused repetitive behavioral disorders (e.g., pathological skin picking).

Trichotillomania (TTM) and Skin picking are treatable through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. In addition to these treatments, we also offer consultations, evaluations, and follow-up care.

Clinic faculty offer both cognitive-behavioral treatment and medication management approaches reflecting the latest advances in treatment outcome studies. Research conducted by staff has contributed significantly to our understanding of these disorders and has included the development of self-report assessment scales, novel cognitive-behavioral interventions, web-based self-help treatment programs, and psychopharmacological approaches.

In addition, our research has investigated disorder prevalence, neuropsychological and neural correlates of trichotillomania, family functioning, quality of life, and the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral, web-based self-help treatment programs, and psychopharmacological approaches.

Lastly, we have been instrumental in the development of a trichotillomania genetic biobank and exploration of the genetic underpinnings to these problems. Our faculty have also been instrumental in elevating public and professional awareness by sponsoring community education programs and participation in scientific advisory boards for organizations committed to advancing the cause of these disorders.

Patient Care and Treatment
Trichotillomania (TTM) and Skin picking are treatable through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. In addition to these treatments, we also offer consultations, evaluations, and follow-up care. Treatment in our research studies is usually at no cost to the patient. Find out more

What is Trichotillomania?
Information about how the disorder is diagnosed and facts about who has it and how widespread the disorder is.