TMS for Trichotillomania: A New Hope for Hair Pulling Disorder
Dr. Danish and Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry are excited to offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a cutting-edge treatment for a variety of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, addiction, ADHD, and trichotillomania (trich). For our adult patients with ongoing depression, TMS is covered by insurance.
Trichotillomania, a condition characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one's hair, can be particularly challenging to treat. TMS offers a promising non-invasive option for patients who have not responded to traditional therapies. By using magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain, TMS can help regulate the neural circuits involved in impulse control and emotional regulation, which are often disrupted in individuals with trichotillomania.
Dr. Danish and his team at Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry are committed to providing comprehensive, personalized treatment plans that address the whole person. This includes combining innovative and off-label TMS approaches with other therapeutic modalities, lifestyle adjustments, and supportive measures to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Our holistic and integrative approach aims to treat not just the symptoms but the underlying causes of mental health conditions, promoting long-term recovery and well-being.
The Study and Its Significance
A recent case report has highlighted the potential of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in treating trichotillomania (TTM), a condition characterized by compulsive hair pulling. This study is groundbreaking as it is the first to explore the use of tDCS for TTM, employing an intensified and repeated stimulation protocol targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and supplementary motor area (SMA).
Treatment Protocol
The study involved a 25-year-old woman with a decade-long history of hair pulling. The treatment protocol consisted of 16 sessions of tDCS, administered every other day, with two sessions per day. Each session lasted 20 minutes with a current intensity of 2 mA. The anode was placed on the F3 region, and the cathode on the SMA, following the international 10-20 system for electrode placement.
Results and Improvements
Hair Pulling Behavior: The results showed a significant reduction in hair pulling behavior. The Milwaukee Inventory for Subtypes of Trichotillomania-Adult Version (MIST-A) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to measure the severity of hair pulling. The MIST-A scores decreased by 63.25%, and the VAS scores by 53.33% from baseline to the follow-up stage.
Psychiatric Symptoms: The study also reported significant improvements in psychiatric symptoms such as depression and anxiety. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) scores showed reductions of 52.38% and 34.28%, respectively.
Safety and Tolerability: The tDCS protocol was well-tolerated by the participant, with no serious side effects reported. This suggests that the intensified and repeated tDCS protocol is not only effective but also safe for treating TTM.
Getting in Touch with Dr. Danish and his Team
At Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry, we are excited to offer TMS as part of our repertoire of treatment options. We continue to stay on top of the latest research related to TMS so we can provide the best quality care in a safe manner. Our holistic and integrative approach ensures that we consider all aspects of our patients' well-being in developing personalized treatment plans. If you or a loved one are seeking support for TTM or similar conditions, please text or call 610-999-6414 to learn how we can help.
For more on this topic and related subjects, check out these blogs:
Discover just how powerful TMS is for depression.
Learn whether patients preparing for TMS should stay on their antidepressants that are not doing enough.
TMS can help treat Fibromyalgia: read more here on this emerging, off-label treatment for Fibromyalgia.
Explore the potential of TMS for patients with seizure disorders.
Find out about accelerated TMS treatment for severe depression that can be completed in under 5 days!
Read about how TMS can lead to neuronal growth and plasticity.
Understand the safety of TMS for depression during pregnancy.
We look at the safety of TMS in patients with schizophrenia.
Sources
For more details on the study, visit the journal article at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38247425/
