Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Dissociation involves a lapse in normal perception of reality or awareness; it has Q6 been associated with multiple psychiatric disorders and has been suggested as a contributing factor in trichotillomania and skin picking disorder. This study aimed to explore the relationship between dissociation and trichotillomania and/or skin picking disorder. Methods: Three hundred and seventy adults with trichotillomania, skin picking disorder, or both (aged 18-65 years) were enrolled as part of an online survey. Participants completed a questionnaire on demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, medications, and suicidality. Participants completed the Generic Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB) Scale-8 (GBS-8) and the Dissociative Experience Scale (DES). Regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between DES scores and GBS-8 scores, as well as clinical characteristics. Results: DES scores significantly predicted GBS-8 impairment scores, suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury, and suicide attempts. Discussion: Dissociation may be either a driving force for many with hair pulling or skin picking, or pulling and picking may create a dissociative trance-like state. These findings suggest that dissociation is associated with greater impairment and worse clinical outcomes. Further research may elucidate whether there is benefit in treating dissociation in these patients.
Source: Frontiers in Psychiatry
Authors: Zharia C. Crisp, Jon E. Grant
Institution: University of Chicago
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4409112654