TLDR Group behavior therapy reduces hair-pulling symptoms more than supportive therapy but has limited long-term effectiveness.
In this randomized controlled trial, 24 adult outpatients with trichotillomania (TTM) were assigned to either group behavior therapy (BT) or group supportive therapy (ST). Participants in the BT group showed significantly greater reductions in self-reported hair-pulling symptoms and clinician-rated hair loss severity compared to those in the ST group. However, despite these improvements, TTM severity remained problematic posttreatment, with few participants achieving clinically significant change and some experiencing relapse over a 6-month follow-up. The study suggested partial short-term efficacy for group BT but recommended exploring individual therapy or a combination of group and individual formats for better outcomes.
417 citations,
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21 citations,
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20 citations,
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119 citations,
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28 citations,
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