DBT-Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adolescent Trichotillomania: An Adolescent Case Study

Results and a case study for a DBT-enhanced habit reversal treatment (HRT) for adult trichotillomania (TTM) (Keuthen & Sprich, 2012) is adapted for use with adolescents. Trichotillomania in adolescence is a very important but understudied problem. Onset often occurs in adolescence, and yet very little treatment research exists. DBT-enhanced habit reversal has shown promise in adult samples (Keuthen et al., 2008) and may prove useful as a model for further study in adolescents. Here, we provide a case study using DBT-enhanced HRT with an adolescent girl. The treatment emphasizes traditional CBT for TTM and also includes a focus on emotion regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance to help manage both focused and automatic pulling.

► We present a case study using a DBT-enhanced treatment for an adolescent girl with trichotillomania.
► The rationale and model for DBT-enhanced habit reversal treatment is reviewed.
► The treatment incorporates traditional CBT for trichotillomania.
► It also adds DBT skills including emotion regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance.
► The hope is that the additional DBT skills will improve treatment outcomes in future research.