Saturday, February 27, 2010

Trichotillomania and Other Body-Focused Behaviors

Trichotillomania (TTM). If you have heard this word before then you probably work with emotionally disturbed, autistic, or mentally retarded children, adolescents or adults. Trichotillomania is one of many obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) with this population. Specifically, this disorder includes compulsive pulling of the hair, sometimes leaving bald spots on the head. Dr. Martin Franklin, is an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, and Director of the Child and Adolescent OCD and Anxiety Group at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. His workshop on March 3rd will discuss research and treatment techniques for TTM and other body-focused OCD behaviors. Dr. Franklin is a recognized expert in OCD. He is a principal researcher for the National Institute of Mental Health and has published widely in treatment techniques for OCD. I am looking forward to this workshop. (Aside from the scholarly knowledge and practical treatment suggestions, I hope Dr. Franklin can teach us to say "Trichotillomania" 3 times, fast!)