Group treatment for trichotillomania: behavior therapy versus supportive therapy.
In this randomized controlled trial, group behavior therapy (BT; n=12) was compared to group supportive therapy (ST; n=12) in the treatment of trichotillomania (TTM). Both treatments were also compared to a naturally occurring waiting period, the time period that participants waited for groups to form. Participants completing group BT experienced significantly greater decreases in self-reported hair-pulling symptoms and clinician-rated hair loss severity than did those in group ST. Decreases were significantly greater after treatment than after the naturalistic waiting period. In addition, a significantly higher percentage of those in the BT than ST condition were rated as much improved or very much improved on the Clinical Global Impression scale at posttreatment. However, despite substantial symptom improvement, TTM severity remained problematic at posttreatment. Specifically, few participants in either treatment met criteria for clinically significant change at posttreatment. In addition, relapse of symptoms occurred over the 6-month follow-up period. Results provided partial support for the short-term efficacy of group BT. However, the group format may not maximize the efficacy of BT for TTM. Thus, it is recommended that future BT research test either individual therapy or a combination of group and individual formats for TTM.
Diefenbach
Gretchen J
GJ
The Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT 06106, USA. gdiefen@harthosp.org
Tolin
David F
DF
Hannan
Scott
S
Maltby
Nicholas
N
Crocetto
Johanna
J
D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012008:Recurrence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014256:Trichotillomania / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*