Acceptance-enhanced behavior therapy (AEBT) for trichotillomania and chronic skin picking: exploring the effects of component sequencing

Behav Modif. 2008 Sep;32(5):579-94. doi: 10.1177/0145445507313800. Epub 2008 Mar 11.

Abstract

This pilot study examined the utility of acceptance-enhanced behavior therapy (AEBT) for trichotillomania (TTM) and chronic skin picking (CSP) and the impact of altering treatment sequence on overall treatment efficacy. Participants referred to a TTM and CSP specialty clinic were assessed by an independent evaluator within separate, nonconcurrent, multiple-baseline designs across participants. The first group of three participants received habit-reversal training (HRT) followed by acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and the second group of two participants received ACT followed by HRT. Results indicated that AEBT greatly reduced pulling/picking for all five participants and that the order in which ACT and HRT were implemented made little or no difference in short-term treatment outcome. Conclusions, limitations, and future areas of research are discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychological Tests
  • Self Concept
  • Self Mutilation / psychology*
  • Self Mutilation / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trichotillomania / psychology*
  • Trichotillomania / therapy*
  • Wisconsin