What does the research say about Trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania treatment studies have explored various therapeutic approaches and interventions to address the symptoms and challenges associated with this condition. Many who experience this condition feel that it has been understudied (and certainly, clinicians are under trained in its treatment). However, there are a few notable studies on trichotillomania treatment:
Woods, D. W., Flessner, C. A., Franklin, M. E., Keuthen, N. J., Goodwin, R. D., Stein, D. J., ... & Piacentini, J. (2006). The Trichotillomania Impact Project (TIP): Exploring phenomenology, functional impairment, and treatment utilization. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 67(12), 1877-1888.
This study examined the characteristics, functional impairment, and treatment utilization of individuals with trichotillomania. It provided valuable insights into the impact of trichotillomania on individuals' lives and highlighted the need for effective treatments.
Twohig, M. P., Hayes, S. C., & Masuda, A. (2006). Increasing willingness to experience obsessions: Acceptance and commitment therapy as a treatment for trichotillomania. Behavior Therapy, 37(1), 3-13.
This study investigated the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in treating trichotillomania. The findings suggested that ACT was effective in reducing hair-pulling symptoms and improving psychological well-being by increasing individuals' willingness to experience obsessions and urges without responding with hair-pulling behaviors.
Franklin, M. E., Tolin, D. F., & Foa, E. B. (2003). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for pediatric trichotillomania: Exploring the effects of age on treatment outcome. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 32(1), 11-21.
This study examined the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating pediatric trichotillomania. It found that CBT was effective in reducing hair-pulling symptoms in children and adolescents, with older participants showing greater improvement compared to younger participants.
Rothbart, R., Amos, T., Siegfried, N., & Stein, D. J. (2013). Pharmacotherapy for trichotillomania. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013(11), CD007662.
This systematic review analyzed the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy options for trichotillomania. The review found limited evidence to support the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as a potential treatment option for trichotillomania, suggesting the need for further research in this area.
Grant, J. E., Odlaug, B. L., & Kim, S. W. (2008). N-acetylcysteine, a glutamate modulator, in the treatment of trichotillomania: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Archives of General Psychiatry, 65(7), 913-919.
This study investigated the use of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutamate modulator, as a potential treatment for trichotillomania. The findings suggested that NAC may be beneficial in reducing hair-pulling symptoms, although further research is needed to establish its efficacy.
These studies contribute to the understanding of trichotillomania and provide evidence for various treatment approaches, including CBT, ACT, pharmacotherapy, and glutamate-modulating agents. It's important to note that treatment outcomes can vary among individuals, and a personalized treatment plan should be developed in consultation with a mental health professional experienced in trichotillomania treatment.
If you or your loved one is experiencing trichotillomania, please contact Kairos Wellness Collective today.
