Obsessive-compulsive related disorders: trichotillomania: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Obsessive-compulsive related disorders: trichotillomania

Sample item

A 15-year-old girl repeatedly pulls out her scalp hair, resulting in patchy hair loss, and has been unable to stop. The best behavioural treatment is:

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Habit reversal training

Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) and excoriation disorder are body-focused repetitive behaviours in the OCD-related group. Habit reversal training, which builds awareness and a competing response, is the preferred psychotherapy.

Option by option

  • A. Habit reversal training (correct)

    Correct. Habit reversal training is the preferred behavioural treatment.

  • B. Token economy

    A token economy is used in institutional settings and intellectual disability.

  • C. Flooding

    Flooding is used for phobias.

  • D. Aversion therapy using electric shock

    Shock aversion is not an appropriate treatment.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is A, Habit reversal training. Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) and excoriation disorder are body-focused repetitive behaviours in the OCD-related group.

Why is "Token economy" not the answer?

A token economy is used in institutional settings and intellectual disability.

Why is "Flooding" not the answer?

Flooding is used for phobias.

Why is "Aversion therapy using electric shock" not the answer?

Shock aversion is not an appropriate treatment.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Obsessive-compulsive related disorders: trichotillomania in Psychiatry. Habit reversal training, which builds awareness and a competing response, is the preferred psychotherapy.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Obsessive-compulsive related disorders: trichotillomania?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.