Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to explore family characteristics, parental attitudes and family adjustment of pediatric trichotillomania in comparison with healthy controls.

METHODS

Twenty-four children aged between 4-12 years admitting to two different child and adolescent mental health services due to hair pulling and 54 matched healthy controls were included in the study. In addition to sociodemographic data, severity of illness assessed by Clinical Global İmpression Scale-Severity Index (CGI-SI) are recorded. Parenting characteristics and family adjustment were assessed by Parenting and Family Adjustment Scale (PAFAS) and Child Adjustment and Parent Efficacy Scale (CAPES-TR).

RESULTS

Means of CGI-SI scores in trichotillomania cases were found as 4.00±1.02 (mean±SD). Cases significantly differed from controls in family structure and the quality of parental relationship (p=0.025; p=0.018, consequtively). PAFAS scores of coercive parenting, parent child relationship, parental emotional adjustment and parental team work were significantly different than controls (p=0.001, p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.009 consequtively). Similary, emotional and behavioral maladjustment scores and parental self efficacy scores of CAPES-TR were significantly worse in trikotillomania cases (p=0.001, p=0.000, p=0.000, consequtively). CGI-SI scores were positively correlated with PAFAS scores of coercive parenting, parent child relationship, parental emotional adjustment and parental teamwork (p=0.003, p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.008; respectively). While CGI-SI scores were positively correlated with behavioral and emotional maladjustment scores parental self-efficacy scores of CAPES-TR were negatively correlated with CGI-SI scores (p=0.000, p=0.001, p=0.000, respectively).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Considering family characteristics, parental attitudes and family adjustment in pediatric trichotillomania may enhance relationship based and behavioral interventions.