A nurse is caring for a client who is suspected of having the diagnosis of trichotillomania. What condition must be ruled out prior to a definitive diagnosis of this disorder?

Question

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Alopecia areata must be ruled out before a definitive diagnosis of trichotillomania can be made because both conditions involve hair loss. Trichotillomania is a compulsive disorder that causes individuals to pull out their own hair, while alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss. Other conditions such as bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder can have similar symptoms to trichotillomania but do not involve hair loss as a primary symptom.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Is Suspected