Does treatment with clomipramine reduce cat psychogenic alopecia?

PICO question In cats with psychogenic alopecia, is overgrooming reduced by the use of clomipramine compared to untreated cats? Clinical bottom line Category of research question Treatment The number and type of study designs reviewed One pseudo-randomised controlled study Strength of evidence Weak Outcomes reported Effect of clomipramine using owner report of number, intensity, and / or duration of grooming episodes, owner reported clinical improvement, and veterinary measured alopecia, extent of tissue damage, and hair regrowth Conclusion The only controlled study found no evidence that clomipramine alone is effective in reducing grooming episodes, alopecia, or improved hair regrowth. Further research with randomised, double blind controlled trials and limitation of confounding factors is required to determine the efficacy of clomipramine alone or in addition to behavioural / environmental therapies.