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Systematic Review of Published Primary Studies of Neuropsychology and Neuroimaging in Trichotillomania

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 August 2017

Reneta Slikboer Open the ORCID record for Reneta Slikboer [Opens in a new window] ,
Maree P. Reser ,
Maja Nedeljkovic ,
David J. Castle  and
Susan L. Rossell
Reneta Slikboer*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology and Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
Maree P. Reser
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology and Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
Maja Nedeljkovic
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology and Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
David J. Castle
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology and Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent’s Hospital and The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
Susan L. Rossell
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology and Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent’s Hospital and The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Melbourne, Australia
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to: Reneta Slikboer, Swinburne University of Technology, Mail H31, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia. Email: rslikboer@swin.edu.au
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Abstract

Objectives: Existing models of trichotillomania (TTM; hair pulling disorder) rely heavily on a biological predisposition or biological pathogenesis of the disorder, but fail to capture the specific neuropsychological mechanisms involved. The present systematic review aims to scope existing neuropsychological studies of TTM to explore gaps in current models. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to detect all published primary studies using neuropsychological and neuroimaging measures in a cohort of individuals experiencing TTM. Studies addressing neuropsychological function were divided into domains. Findings from imaging studies were considered within brain regions and across methodology. Results: Thirty studies with a combined 591 participants with TTM, 372 healthy controls and 225 participants in other types of control group were included. Sixteen studies investigated neuropsychological parameters, and 14 studies pursued neuroimaging technologies. Available studies that used neuropsychological assessments and reported a statistically significant difference between those with TTM and controls ranged in effect size from 0.25 to 1.58. All domains except verbal ability and visual ability reported a deficit. In neuroimaging studies, several structural and functional brain changes were reported that might be of significance to TTM. Only tentative conclusions can be made due to the use of multiple methodologies across studies, a major limitation to meaningful interpretations. Conclusions: Positive neuropsychological and neuroimaging results require replication, preferably with multi-site studies using standardized methodology. Increased standardized testing and analyses across the literature, as a whole, would improve the utility and interpretability of knowledge in this field. (JINS, 2018, 24, 188–205)

Keywords

TrichotillomaniaCognitionSystematic reviewNeuropsychologyNeuroimagingBrain
Type
Critical Review
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 24 , Issue 2 , February 2018 , pp. 188 - 205
Copyright
Copyright © The International Neuropsychological Society 2017 

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