DBT-enhanced habit reversal treatment for trichotillomania: 3-and 6-month follow-up results

Depress Anxiety. 2011 Apr;28(4):310-3. doi: 10.1002/da.20778. Epub 2010 Dec 15.

Abstract

Background: Maintenance of gains with cognitive-behavioral treatment for trichotillomania (TTM) has historically been problematic.

Methods: We conducted follow-up assessments 3 and 6 months after completion of a 3-month maintenance phase on 10 individuals with DSM-IV-TR TTM who participated in an open trial of a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)-enhanced habit reversal treatment (HRT).

Results: Significant improvement from baseline was reported at 3-and 6-month follow-up on all measures of hair pulling severity and emotion regulation, although some worsening was reported on some measures from earlier study time points. At 6-month follow-up, five and four participants were full and partial responders, respectively. Significant correlations were reported at both follow-up time points between changes in hair pulling severity and emotion regulation capacity.

Conclusions: DBT-enhanced HRT offers promise for improved long-term treatment results in TTM. Changes in TTM severity from baseline to 3-and 6-month follow-up is correlated with changes in emotion regulation capacity.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00740909.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Comorbidity
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Habits*
  • Humans
  • Meditation*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Trichotillomania / psychology
  • Trichotillomania / therapy*

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT00740909