Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and impulsivity in patients with trichotillomania

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess impulsivity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adult patients with trichotillomania. Materials and Methods: Subjects diagnosed with trichotillomania primary or comorbid to other psychiatric disorders who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Data were collected retrospectively. Minnesota Impulse Control Disorders Interview Scale (MIDI), the Barratt's Impulsivity Scale (BIS), Adult ADD/ADHD DSM IV-Based Diagnostic Screening and Rating Scale, Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) were evaluated. Results: 40 patients with trichotillomania and 18 patients with trichotillomania + adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were included in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics of two groups were similar. Rate of pathologic gambling was higher in trichotillomania + adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder group. Trichotillomania + adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder group had statistically higher scores from attention deficit part of Adult ADD/ADHD DSM IV-Based Diagnostic Screening and Rating Scale. Conclusion: Adult attention deficit hyperactivity is more related to attention deficit in trichotillomania patients and impulsivity is a common feature in both disorders.