Optimizing Psychological Interventions for Trichotillomania: An Update on Current Empirical Status

April 2015 in “ Psychology Research and Behavior Management ”

Ívar Snorrason, Gregory S. Berlin, Han-Joo Lee

trichotillomania hair-pulling disorder cognitive-behavioral therapy habit reversal training stimulus control cognitive therapy dialectical behavior therapy acceptance and commitment therapy clomipramine HPD CBT HRT SC CT DBT ACT

Studysummary This review evaluates various cognitive-behavioral interventions for trichotillomania but does not report new clinical findings, highlighting the need for further research on their efficacy.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The 2015 document reviews psychological interventions for trichotillomania (HPD), highlighting cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the first-line treatment. It discusses the effectiveness of habit reversal training (HRT), stimulus control (SC), cognitive therapy (CT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in treating HPD. Studies show that HRT/SC is effective, with one study reporting 64% of participants seeing significant improvement, and another indicating 85% improvement post-treatment. CBT has also been highly effective, with one study showing 100% improvement in the CBT group versus 67% with clomipramine. The document notes that while HRT/SC is effective for 50%-60% of individuals, augmenting it with CT, DBT, or ACT may enhance benefits and help maintain therapeutic gains. However, direct comparisons of these combined treatments and their long-term efficacy are lacking. The document emphasizes the need for increased awareness and training among providers to optimize treatment outcomes for HPD.

View this study on dovepress.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research Group Treatment for Trichotillomania: Behavior Therapy Versus Supportive Therapy

69 citations , August 2006 in “Behavior Therapy”

This study found that group behavior therapy for trichotillomania led to greater short-term symptom improvement compared to supportive therapy, but did not achieve clinically significant changes or prevent relapse over six months.

research Characteristics of 60 Adult Chronic Hair Pullers

417 citations , March 1991 in “American Journal of Psychiatry”

This study found that adult trichotillomania is a chronic disorder often linked with high psychiatric comorbidity and suggests the tension-reduction criterion in diagnoses might be too restrictive.