Maximizing Treatment Interventions: When Trich and other BFRBs are Complicated by Anxiety Disorders. Presented by Rachel Strohl, Psy. D.

Often individuals present for therapy with several different disorders. It is quite common for individuals to be diagnosed with Trichotillomania or other related Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBS) (e.g., skin picking, nail biting, etc.) while also experiencing anxiety disorders. 

The aim of this webinar will be for attendees to maximize their treatment outcomes, whether they are the individual experiencing BFRBs and co-occurring anxiety disorders, or the clinician providing treatment. 

The presenter will outline the diagnostic criteria of BFRBs and detail the Comprehensive Model for Behavioral Treatment (ComB), which is the evidence-based treatment for these disorders. The diagnostic criteria for several other anxiety disorders will be reviewed, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and then compare and contrast Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is the evidence-based treatment for these disorders. 

Attendees will learn practical techniques and strategies to use in treatment, including habit reversal training (HRT), Fiddling SHEEP (a child-friendy application of ComB), psychoeducation, relaxation, mindfulness, acceptance, cognitive restructuring, and exposure. 

Clinical case examples will illustrate the effectiveness of treating several different disorders with different treatment approaches in one cohesive and highly effective therapy approach. Understanding the complexity of several different anxiety disorders will help maximize treatment interventions when co-occurring with BFRBs in therapy. 

Learning Objectives:

Define the diagnostic criteria for Trichotillomania, Excoriation, and related Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), as well as several anxiety disorders that complicate BFRBs. 

Explain the Comprehensive Model for Behavioral Treatment (ComB) of Trichotillomania and other BFRBs. 

Discuss a review of empirically supported treatments for BFRBs and anxiety disorders. Learn practical techniques and strategies to use in CBT treatment.