Open-label trial of aripiprazole in the treatment of trichotillomania

Abstract

Background: Serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been disappointing in the treatment of trichotillomania (TTM). Recent evidence suggests that medications that modulate dopamine may be helpful in this disorder.

Objective: To determine if the D2 partial agonist aripiprazole would be effective in the treatment of TTM.

Methods: Twelve subjects participated in an 8-week, open-label, flexible-dose study of aripiprazole treatment of TTM. Primary end points were reduction in the Massachusetts General Hospital Hair Pulling Scale (MGHHPS) and MGHHPS Actual Pulling Subscale (MGHHPS-APS). Secondary end points were the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory.

Results: Eleven of 12 subjects had 2 or more assessments; one subject dropped out during the first week. For subjects with 2 or more assessments, there was a significant mean reduction in both primary end points, the MGHHPS score (mean change, 7.8; SD, ± 7.8; P ≤ 0.01) and the MGHHPS-APS score (mean change, 3.9; SD, ± 4.1; P ≤ 0.02). Seven subjects had a greater than 50% reduction in MGHHPS; 7 subjects had an exit Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement Scale of 2 or lower, and 5 participants had absolute exit scores of 3 or lower on the MGHHPS and 1 or lower on the MGHHPS-APS. There were no significant changes in mood-related secondary end points. The mean aripiprazole dose for all completers (N = 11) was 7.5 mg/d (± 3.4 mg/d).

Conclusions: This small open-label study suggests that aripiprazole is a promising treatment for the treatment of trichotillomania. Larger double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are needed to follow up on these findings.