Motivation to seek treatment in a trichotillomania population: Effect of severity, distress, and functional impairment

Trichotillomania (TTM) is an impulse-control disorder characterized by pulling of one's hair. While much is known about severity and impairment, there is limited research on motivation to seek treatment. The current study attempted to identify prevalence of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation in the TTM sample; and to determine associations between type of motivation and distress, severity, and psychosocial impairment. Sixty participants were assessed on measures of severity, distress, functional impairment, and motivation. Significantly more participants endorsed intrinsic motivation (t=24.8, p<.001). Total motivation was significantly correlated with time interference (r=.27, p=.04). This study was among the first to assess motivation in a TTM population. Motivation was not associated with distress, severity, or social, economic, or occupational/academic impairment, but total motivation was correlated with time interference. Previous findings were replicated in the correlations between distress and severity, and psychosocial impairment. Due to sample limitations, larger studies assessing motivation are warranted.