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Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) Treatment of Trichotillomania: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Emily J Carlson1, Elizabeth J Malloy1, Lindsay Brauer2
1American University.
Behavior Therapy
|October 17, 2021
Summary
Comprehensive Behavioral treatment significantly reduced self-reported trichotillomania symptoms. This hair pulling disorder treatment showed efficacy, with many achieving abstinence, though further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Trichotillomania (TTM) is a hair pulling disorder.
- Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) treatment offers individualized strategies for TTM.
- This is the first controlled trial evaluating ComB for TTM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of ComB treatment for trichotillomania.
- To compare immediate ComB treatment with a Minimal Attention Control (MAC) group.
- To evaluate symptom severity and diagnostic status post-treatment.
Main Methods:
- 36 adults with TTM were randomized to Immediate ComB or MAC with delayed ComB.
- Treatment involved 12 sessions of ComB.
- Outcomes included self-report (MGH-HPS) and interviewer-rated (TIS/TSS) symptom severity and diagnosis.
Main Results:
- ComB significantly improved self-reported TTM symptoms (p=.03, d=-.78).
- Immediate ComB led to higher abstinence rates (27% vs. 0%) at 12 weeks.
- Treatment effects were well-maintained at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- ComB treatment is effective for self-reported trichotillomania symptoms.
- Further research may explore model limitations or therapist training needs.
- Stronger results were observed with more experienced therapists.
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