Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Protocol for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Symptom Provocation to Treat Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
Published on: November 25, 2025
Comprehensive Behavioral Treatment of Trichotillomania: A Treatment Development Study
Martha J Falkenstein1, Suzanne Mouton-Odum2, Charles S Mansueto3
1American University, Washington, DC, USA mf0136a@american.edu.
Abstract:
This study aimed to concretize and pilot test comprehensive behavioral (ComB) treatment of trichotillomania (TTM), to facilitate rigorous testing of its efficacy. ComB provides a conceptualization to develop individualized treatment and choose interventions for managing distinct factors that maintain the individual's hair pulling. It has been used by clinicians for almost three decades, yet was not previously manualized or studied empirically. A manual was drafted and revised based on patient (N= 16) and therapist feedback, an intervention choice study demonstrated therapists reliably selected model-consistent interventions, and a therapist adherence measure was developed and tested. Uncontrolled preliminary data showed ComB to be highly acceptable, and it led to reduced TTM symptom severity and impairment, with large effects. Quality of life and disability also improved, with effects maintained at follow-up. This study resulted in the development of a manual and measures to be used in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of ComB for TTM.
Related Concept Videos
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Cognitive Therapy
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

