Metacognitive functions of patients with trichotillomania and skin picking disorder

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare the metacognitive functions of patients diagnosed with trichotillomania (TTM) and skin picking disorder (SPD) with those of healthy controls (HCs). Method: The study was conducted with 125 participants, 32 of whom had TTM, 47 had SPD, and 46 were HCs. A Sociodemographic Data Form, the Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administered to the participants. Results: It was determined that the subscale scores of "uncontrollability and danger" and "need to control thoughts" were significantly higher in patients with TTM and SPD compared with the HCs. There was a positive correlation between the patients' CGI scores and their MCQ-total scores. A positive and significant relationship was found between BDI and "uncontrollability and danger," "need to control thoughts," "cognitive self-consciousness," and MCQ-total scores. There was a positive correlation between the BAI and other subscales except for "positive beliefs" and MCQ-total scores. Conclusion: Our study reveals dysfunctional metacognitions in TTM and SPD patient groups. The subdimensions of "uncontrollability and danger" and "need to control thoughts" are dysfunctional metacognitions that are prominent in both patient groups.