Functional assessment and treatment of trichotillomania and skin-picking: A case study

• Case-study with functional analysis and treatment of hair pulling and skin-picking.
• Function-based habit reversal treatment reduced hair pulling and skin-picking.
• Recommendations for school and clinic practice are provided.

This case study included functional assessment and treatment of trichotillomania and skin picking by a 6-year old female kindergarten student of typical development. The school׳s behavior specialist provided assessment and treatment services in the school setting. Functional assessment included indirect assessment (i.e., teacher completed functional assessment rating scale and follow-up interview) followed by a brief functional analysis. The behavior specialist used functional assessment data to individually tailor a simplified habit reversal intervention, which effectively treated trichotillomania and skin picking. Treatment gains maintained at 3-month follow-up. Results from this case study may be used to inform assessment and treatment of trichotillomania and skin picking across school and clinical settings.