Work

Case Report: Narrative therapy combined with Satir model for the treatment of trichotillomania

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Trichotillomania is a chronic psychiatric and behavioral disorder characterized by recurrent hair-pulling, often leading to significant distress and impairment. Long-term psychotherapeutic case reports remain scarce, especially those integrating Narrative Therapy and the Satir Model in culturally-specific and resource-limited contexts. Case Presentation: We present a two-year integrated psychotherapy case for a 28-year-old woman with trichotillomania, utilizing Narrative Therapy and Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy. Assessments included the Massachusetts General Hospital Hair Pulling Scale (MGH-HPS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), and Clinical Global Impression (CGI). Hair-pulling episodes decreased from 150 per day to 5, and MGH-HPS, SAS, and PSP scores improved substantially from baseline to end of treatment and one-year follow-up. The patient maintained gains post-treatment, with improved self-worth and social functioning. Conclusions: This case supports the clinical utility of a Narrative Therapy-Satir Model integration for trichotillomania. The flexible, person-centered approach yielded lasting symptom and functional gains. Limitations include reliance on self-report and potential bias.

Source: Frontiers in Psychiatry

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1588939

Authors: Haiyan Liu, Xiuxiu Chen, Xiaochao Wan, Dan Wang, Zhiguo Chen

Institution: Chinese People's Liberation Army

Language: English

Topic: Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801