Group therapy for hair pulling disorder

The Norwegian Trichotillomania Project

Observational Oslo University Hospital · NCT02747771

This study is testing if group therapy can help adults and teens with hair pulling disorder feel better by using a special type of treatment over ten sessions.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 67 Years
SexAll
SponsorOslo University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Oslo)
Trial IDNCT02747771 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of group-based cognitive behavioral therapy for individuals with trichotillomania at three clinical sites in Norway. It utilizes an ACT-enhanced habit reversal training approach, consisting of ten group sessions followed by booster sessions within the first year. Participants include adults and adolescents aged 16 and older who meet the DSM-IV criteria for trichotillomania. Treatment outcomes are assessed using standardized scales at baseline, post-treatment, and one year later.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults and adolescents aged 16 to 67 with a clinical diagnosis of trichotillomania.

Not a fit: Patients with severe mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia or ongoing suicidal ideation, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly reduce hair pulling behaviors and improve the quality of life for patients with trichotillomania.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with cognitive behavioral therapy approaches for similar conditions, indicating potential for success in this study.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* Inclusion Criteria:

  * Clinical diagnosis of Trichotillomania
  * Age between 16 and 67
* Exclusion Criteria:

  * schizophrenia spectrum disorder
  * substance addiction
  * severe antisocial, schizotypal, or paranoid personality disorder
  * severe eating disorder,
  * ongoing suicidal ideation
  * pervasive developmental disorder
  * mental retardation and severe sequelae after brain injury.

Where this trial is running

Oslo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Trichotillomaniaeffectivenesstrichotillomaniahair pullinghabit reversal trainingacceptance and commitment therapycognitive behavioral therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.