Successful management of trichotillomania in a patient with SSRI-induced hypersomnia: a case report - Scorecard - MDSpire
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Effective Treatment of Trichotillomania in a Patient Experiencing Hypersomnia Due to SSRI: A Case Study

  • By

  • Deemah Ateeq Alateeq

  • August 20, 2026

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Clinical Scorecard: Effective Treatment of Trichotillomania in a Patient Experiencing Hypersomnia Due to SSRI: A Case Study

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionTrichotillomania
Key MechanismsNorepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibition and mindfulness-based behavioral therapy
Target PopulationPatients with trichotillomania experiencing SSRI intolerance
Care SettingRoutine clinical setting

Key Highlights

  • Patient experienced severe hypersomnia due to SSRIs.
  • Bupropion was used as an alternative treatment.
  • Mindfulness-based behavioral therapy was combined with pharmacotherapy.
  • Significant improvement in hair-pulling behaviors observed.
  • Clinical improvement maintained during 24-month follow-up.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis confirmed using DSM-5 criteria.

Management

  • Consider bupropion for patients intolerant to SSRIs.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Monitor for hypersomnia and other side effects during treatment.

Risks

  • Risk of severe hypersomnia with SSRIs.

Patient & Prescribing Data

25-year-old female medical student with a 13-year history of trichotillomania.

Bupropion initiated at 150 mg, increased to 300 mg; combined with mindfulness therapy.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Avoid SSRIs in patients with severe intolerance.
  • Utilize a combination of pharmacotherapy and behavioral therapy.

Related Resources & Content

    Original Source(s)

    Successful management of trichotillomania in a patient with SSRI-induced hypersomnia: a case report

    • by Deemah Ateeq Alateeq

    • August 20, 2026

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