The original publication is available at http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/5/37Background: A substantial number of patients suffering from psychological problems or
psychiatric disorders have turned to internet support groups for help. This paper reports on the
perceived effectiveness of trichotillomania (TTM) internet support groups for people suffering from
hair-pulling.
Methods: A questionnaire was sent via e-mail to all subscribers of two mailing lists devoted to
TTM, each of which takes a somewhat different approach to the condition. The questionnaire
addressed the possible benefits and problems associated with belonging to a TTM virtual support
group.
Results: Subscribers had similar demographic features as clinical samples of trichotillomania
patients. Subscribers to both internet lists found them helpful in terms of feeling supported and in
obtaining information. The different approaches to TTM on the two lists were associated with
differences in treatments attempted by participants.
Conclusion: Internet support groups can potentially contribute to increasing awareness about and
knowledge of psychiatric disorders such as TTM, as well as to their management. Nevertheless,
additional effort is required to ensure that subscribers are able to make informed, evidence-based
decisions
