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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Excoriation Disorder neurotic excoriation trichotillomania

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of Chicago

    Chicago, Illinois, 60637, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact