Suicidal ideation and attempts in trichotillomania

Abstract

Trichotillomania is characterized by chronic pulling out of one's hair. Given the negative sequelae of trichotillomania, we examined rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Of the 219 adults (mean age = 29.5 years; 88% female) recruited, 40 (18.3%) reported lifetime suicidal ideation, and 5 (2.3%) reported a lifetime suicide attempt. Those with histories of suicidal ideation were significantly more likely to have major depressive disorder. Our findings suggest that suicidal ideation and attempts are common in trichotillomania and support the idea that comorbid depression should be considered a risk factor for suicidality.