Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of Pediatric Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania Clinical Trial

Official title: Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of Pediatric Trichotillomania

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

This study will compare the effectiveness of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) to a minimal attention control (AC) condition for treatment of pediatric trichotillomania (TTM).

Clinical Trial Description

TTM is a persistent impulse control disorder in which the individual acts on urges to pull out his or her own hair. Onset typically occurs by adolescence, and TTM is often associated with significant functional impairment and distress. CBT is a type of psychotherapy designed to change problematic behaviors and thinking. It includes self-monitoring of hair-pulling urges and homework assignments to practice the use of cognitive and behavioral strategies.

Participants are assigned randomly to receive either CBT or AC for 8 weeks. Participants assigned to CBT receive weekly 1-hour sessions of CBT for 8 weeks; participants assigned to AC receive 6 telephone contacts and 2 in-person sessions for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, CBT participants who respond to treatment enter Phase II, which lasts an additional 8 weeks and includes 4 in-person maintenance sessions. AC participants who are still symptomatic after 8 weeks are offered CBT. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Trichotillomania

• NCT number: NCT00043563
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: University of Pennsylvania
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: January 2001
• Completion date: October 2004