Long-term follow-up of acceptance-enhanced behavior therapy for trichotillomania

Kathryn E. Barber, Douglas W. Woods, Laura J. Ely, Stephen M. Saunders, Scott N. Compton, Angela Neal-Barnett, Martin E. Franklin, Matthew R. Capriotti, Christine A. Conelea, Michael P. Twohig

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Acceptance-enhanced behavior therapy for trichotillomania (AEBT-TTM) is effective in reducing trichotillomania (TTM) symptoms, but the durability of treatment effects remains in question. This study analyzed 6-month follow-up data from a large randomized clinical trial comparing AEBT-TTM to an active psychoeducation and supportive therapy control (PST). Adults with TTM (N=85; 92% women) received 10 sessions of AEBT-TTM or PST across 12 weeks. Independent evaluators assessed participants at baseline, post-treatment, and 6 months follow-up. For both AEBT-TTM and PST, self-reported and evaluator-rated TTM symptom severity decreased from baseline to follow-up. TTM symptoms did not worsen from post-treatment to follow-up. At follow-up, AEBT-TTM and PST did not differ in rates of treatment response, TTM diagnosis, or symptom severity. High baseline TTM symptom severity was a stronger predictor of high follow-up severity for PST than for AEBT-TTM, suggesting AEBT-TTM may be a better option for more severe TTM. Results support the efficacy of AEBT-TTM and show that treatment gains were maintained over time. Although AEBT-TTM yielded lower symptoms at post-treatment, 6-month follow-up outcomes suggest AEBT-TTM and PST may lead to similar symptom levels in the longer term. Future research should examine mechanisms that contribute to long-term gain maintenance.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number115767
JournalPsychiatry Research
Volume333
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024

Keywords

  • ACT
  • Behavior therapy
  • Clinical trial
  • Habit reversal training
  • Hair-pulling disorder
  • Maintenance
  • Relapse

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Long-term follow-up of acceptance-enhanced behavior therapy for trichotillomania'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this