Clinical characteristics of the subtypes of trichotillomania: The Italian Milwaukee Inventory for the Subtypes of Trichotillomania - Adult Version (MIST-A)

Trichotillomania (TTM), is characterized by recurrent pulling out of hair. Current evidence suggests that it has different subtypes with distinct characteristics. Automatic pulling occurs out of awareness and includes situations where pulling is engaged in sedentary activities. Focused pulling occurs in response to negative emotions. The Milwaukee Inventory for the Subtypes of Trichotillomania – Adult Version (MIST-A) measures the TTM subtypes. In Italy, TTM is still under-recognized by clinicians and researchers. The current study investigated the factor structure, the reliability of the Italian MIST-A and its concurrent/divergent validity with measures of skin picking, anxiety sensitivity, dissociative experiences, difficulties in emotion regulation, psychological inflexibility and experiential avoidance in Italian community individuals. A large group of 1142 adults from the general population (Mean age = 38,41, SD = 14.67, females 60%) completed the MIST-A. Theoretical explanations, implications for practice and research are discussed.