Can a common antipsychotic curb Hair-Pulling and Skin-Picking?

NCT ID NCT05545891

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether aripiprazole (Abilify) can reduce urges and behaviors in adults with trichotillomania (hair-pulling) or skin-picking disorder. One hundred participants will receive either the drug or a placebo for 6 weeks. Researchers will track symptom changes using standard severity scales.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
aripiprazole (Abilify)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a medication option for people with hair-pulling or skin-picking disorders.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial. The drug may not work better than placebo, and aripiprazole can cause side effects like drowsiness or weight gain.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Chicago

    Chicago, Illinois, 60637, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.