Group Treatment for Trichotillomania: Behavior Therapy Versus Supportive Therapy

In this randomized controlled trial, group behavior therapy (BT; n = 12) was compared to group supportive therapy (ST; n = 12) for treating trichotillomania (TTM). Participants in BT showed significantly greater reductions in hair-pulling symptoms and hair loss severity than those in ST, and improvements were more pronounced than during a natural waiting period. More BT participants were rated as much or very much improved posttreatment. Despite these improvements, TTM severity remained problematic, with few achieving clinically significant change and many relapsing within 6 months. The study suggested partial short-term efficacy for group BT but recommended exploring individual or combined therapy formats for better outcomes.