The Effectiveness of Behavioral Therapy Versus Medicines When Treating Trichotillomania

May 2015 in “ UC Merced Undergraduate Research Journal ”

Marissa Díaz

trichotillomania hair loss Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Habit Reversal Training TTM DBT CBT ACT HRT

TLDR Behavioral therapies are more effective than drugs for treating trichotillomania.

The review analyzed the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals versus behavioral therapies in treating trichotillomania (TTM), a psychological disorder characterized by obsessive hair pulling and noticeable hair loss. It concluded that while both treatment methods reduced symptoms, behavioral therapies (such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Habit Reversal Training) were more effective than drugs. However, the review emphasized the need for more research to determine long-term effectiveness due to the common occurrence of relapse in TTM patients.

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research Group Treatment for Trichotillomania: Behavior Therapy Versus Supportive Therapy

69 citations , August 2006 in “Behavior Therapy”

Group behavior therapy reduces hair-pulling symptoms more than supportive therapy but has limited long-term effectiveness.

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Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the best treatment for hair-pulling disorder, and combining it with other therapies could improve results.

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research The Self in Obsessive-Compulsive-Related Disorders: Hoarding Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and Trichotillomania

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The conclusion is that self-concept, shame, and emotion regulation are key factors in hoarding disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and trichotillomania, and should be targeted in treatment and research.

research Trichotillomania: Differences From OCD and Treatment Approaches

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Trichotillomania is different from OCD and is best treated with habit reversal therapy and specific medications.

research Complicated Trichotillomania of a Trichobezoar: A Clinical Case

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Trichotillomania can cause severe complications like hairballs in the stomach, needing surgery and psychiatric care.

The Effectiveness of Behavioral Therapy Versus Medicines When Treating Trichotillomania

Research cited in this study

research Group Treatment for Trichotillomania: Behavior Therapy Versus Supportive Therapy

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