Autistic traits in trichotillomania.

Researchers studied 50 adults who pull their hair (trichotillomania) to see if they also showed signs of autism. They found that about 15% scored high on an autism screening test, which is much higher than the general population (1-2%). This suggests people with hair-pulling may be more likely to have autistic traits. The study recommends that doctors should check for autism signs when treating people with trichotillomania.

This cross-sectional study examined autistic traits in 50 non-treatment-seeking adults with trichotillomania (TTM) using the Brief Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10). The sample was predominantly female (86%) with a mean age of 30.2 years. Results showed 14.6% of participants scored above the autism screening threshold (≥6 on AQ-10), compared to typical population rates of 1-2%. The mean AQ-10 score was 3.5, and autism scores correlated significantly with family dysfunction but not with TTM symptom severity or impulsivity.

The findings suggest elevated rates of probable autism spectrum traits among adults with trichotillomania, highlighting the importance of screening for autistic traits in this population.

Clinicians should consider screening for autistic traits in individuals with trichotillomania, particularly given the elevated rates found. The relationship between autistic traits and family dysfunction suggests social factors may be important treatment considerations, though the impact on treatment response remains unclear.

Small sample size of 50 participants from a non-treatment-seeking community sample limits generalizability. Used only a brief screening tool (AQ-10) rather than comprehensive diagnostic assessment. Cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences. No control group for direct comparison.

Although many variables have been examined as potentially contributing to the manifestation of trichotillomania (TTM), little research has focused on problems in social interactions. Hair pulling has many similarities to the stereotypies seen in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and thus the present study examined autistic traits in adults with trichotillomania. Fifty nontreatment-seeking adults with DSM-5 TTM were recruited. Participants completed standard diagnostic interviews, basic demographic information, and symptom inventories about TTM.

Autistic traits were quantified using the Brief Autism- Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10) which screens for autistic traits. The sample comprised 50 participants, mean (standard deviation) age of 30.2 (5.6) years, 10% being male, 86% female, and 4% nonbinary. Eight of the participants had a history of major depressive disorder and six had a history of an anxiety disorder. No one had current or lifetime obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The mean AQ10 score was 3.5 (2.0), with 14.6% scoring 6 or greater. Autism scores correlated significantly only with family dysfunction and not with symptom severity or impulsivity. This study examined autistic traits in a community-based sample of adults with TTM and found elevated rates of probable ASD (based on a self-report screening tool) among those with TTM. These results highlight the need to carefully screen for autistic traits in those with TTM.

To what extent these traits may influence response to treatment, however, remains unclear.