TRICHOTILLOMANIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Trichotillomania is a disorder characterized by the repetitive and compulsive act of pulling hair or hair, resulting in physical and functional impairment. The literature shows that individuals with trichotillomania may consider that health professionals are not trained or well informed to help them, which can lead to shame and a low demand for specialized help. Knowledge about how the disorder is seen and treated in each sociocultural context is important, and can support the development of strategies and policies that respect the specificities of this population. The present work aims to analyze Brazilian scientific productions on trichotillomania, with a view to systematizing their main results in relation to understandings and treatments for the disorder available in the country. This is a systematic review of the literature, with 24 articles meeting the inclusion criteria and being analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The analysis of the full articles showed that, in Brazil, the main treatments for trichotillomania reported in the literature are pharmacological and the researches are concentrated in the period between 2002 and 2012. Most studies (91.66%) are from the medical field (Psychiatry and Dermatology). Given the importance of an interdisciplinary work in the treatment of trichotillomania, it is indicated the need for greater dedication from Psychology in scientific research on trichotillomania, especially in exploring the potential of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, considering that psychotherapy has been presenting more promising results in treating the symptoms of trichotillomania than pharmacological treatments.