Behavioural addictions: A challenge for psychopathology and psychiatric nosology

Disorders characterised by repetitive and problematic behaviours and poor impulse control have been increasingly conceptualised as behavioural addictions. This article examines the concept of behavioural addiction and argues that the addiction framework is only one approach to these behavioural disturbances. It cautions against a tendency to regard many activities that are performed with an extraordinary intensity or frequency and that have some negative consequences as behavioural addiction. There is a need for more research to better understand the links between repetitive and problematic behaviours and other psychopathology, as well as the function of these behaviours and factors that maintain them.

Recent Advances in the Understanding and Treatment of Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania (TTM), or chronic hair pulling, is associated with significant levels of distress and impairment. While research is in its infancy, more data are accumulating regarding the impact, phenomenology, maintaining variables, etiology, and treatment of TTM. Behavior therapy and clomipramine have been moderately effective in reducing TTM symptoms in clinical trials. Enhancing behavior therapy with techniques designed to address TTM patients' emotional control tendencies (e.g., acceptance-based procedures) represents a promising direction in treating TTM.