Comparing behavioral therapy and memantine for skin-picking and hair-pulling disorders
Single-Group Crossover Trial Comparing Behavioral Treatment to Memantine in Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors
This study is testing whether behavioral therapy works better than the medication memantine for people with skin-picking and hair-pulling disorders.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase2; Phase3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT05796752 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of behavioral treatment versus memantine, a medication, in treating body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) such as trichotillomania and skin picking disorder. A total of 28 participants will undergo 8 weeks of memantine treatment followed by 8 weeks of comprehensive behavioral therapy (ComB). The study will assess whether behavioral therapy leads to better clinical outcomes compared to memantine, as well as measure improvements from baseline to post-treatment. The research addresses a gap in understanding the comparative efficacy of these treatment approaches for BFRBs.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with a current diagnosis of trichotillomania or skin picking disorder.
Not a fit: Patients with unstable medical conditions, recent severe psychiatric disorders, or previous treatments with memantine or similar behavioral therapies may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into more effective treatment options for individuals suffering from skin-picking and hair-pulling disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on the efficacy of memantine and behavioral therapies separately, this study is novel in directly comparing these two treatment modalities for BFRBs.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women ages 18+ * Current DSM-5 diagnosis of trichotillomania (TTM) or skin picking disorder (SPD) * Ability to understand and sign the consent form * Stable dose of medications for at least the past 3 months Exclusion Criteria: * Unstable medical illness based on history or clinically significant abnormalities on baseline physical examination * Current pregnancy or lactation, or inadequate contraception in women of childbearing potential * Subjects considered an immediate suicide risk based on the Columbia Suicide Severity rating Scale (C-SSRS) * Past 12-month DSM-5 diagnosis of psychosis, bipolar disorder, mania, or a substance or alcohol use disorder * Illegal substance use based on urine toxicology screening * Previous treatment with memantine * Previous trial of ComB or similar BT protocol (e,g., habit reversal training) * Cognitive impairment that interferes with the capacity to understand and self-administer medication or provide written informed consent
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- University of Chicago Medical Center — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jon E Grant, MD, JD, MPH — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Sophie Boutouis, BS
- Email: sboutouis@bsd.uchicago.edu
- Phone: 773-702-9066
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.