Group Treatment for Trichotillomania: Behavior Therapy Versus Supportive Therapy
August 2006
in “
Behavior Therapy
”
Studysummary 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.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
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.
