ACT-enhanced group behavior therapy for trichotillomania and skin-picking disorder: A feasibility study

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of ACT-enhanced Group Behavior Therapy (AEGBT) for mixed diagnosis groups including patients with trichotillomania (TTM) and skin-picking disorder (SPD) in routine psychiatric care. Method Adult patients (N = 40) with TTM and/or SPD received 10 weeks of AEGBT followed by five booster sessions. The primary outcome measure for TTM was the Massachusetts General Hospital Hairpulling Scale (MGH-HPS) and for SPD the Skin Picking Scale-Revised (SPS-R), assessed at posttreatment and at booster sessions. Results Results showed significant reductions in hair pulling and skin-picking severity from baseline to posttreatment and large effect sizes at posttreatment. Improvements remained significant at the 12-month follow-up for patients with SPD, but not for patients with TTM. Group attendance was high and few patients dropped out from treatment. The group format enabled therapists to see 25% more patients compared with an individual format. Conclusion The results provide initial support for the feasibility and efficacy of an adapted treatment approach for TTM and SPD.

Automated summary

The study found that AEGBT was effective for patients with trichotillomania and skin-picking disorder, with significant improvements in symptoms post-treatment and maintenance of these improvements at the 12-month follow-up. Group attendance was high and helped therapists see more patients compared to individual therapy. The results provide initial support for the feasibility and efficacy of this adapted treatment approach for TTM and SPD.