Predictors of clinical trial discontinuation in trichotillomania: A secondary analysis of previous clinical trials

Background: Participant discontinuation is a significant challenge in pharmacological trials for trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder). Attrition in clinical trials reduces statistical power, introduces error, and potentially wastes financial and medical resources. Identifying predictors of discontinuation may help researchers enhance participant retention and improve study outcomes.

Methods: Data from five completed pharmacological trials for trichotillomania were aggregated, and participants were classified as either Discontinued or Completed. Differences in demographic and clinical variables between these groups were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model.

Results: Of the 222 participants, 177 (80%) were categorized as the Completed group. Discontinued patients (20%) were more likely to have achieved higher levels of formal education and were more likely to have a history of depression.

Conclusions: This study is among the first to examine variables associated with discontinuation rates in trichotillomania trials. The results underscore the importance of addressing educational background and patient history of depression when assessing dropout risk. These findings can guide future research to better support participants at risk of discontinuing treatment.