Habit reversal training

Habit reversal training (HRT) is a "multicomponent behavioral treatment package originally developed to address a wide variety of repetitive behavior disorders".Piacentini JC, Chang SW. Behavioral treatments for tic suppression: habit reversal training. "Adv Neurol." 2006;99:227–33. PMID 16536370]

Behavioral disorders treated with HRT include tics, trichotillomania, nail biting, thumb sucking, and skin picking.Azrin NH, Nunn RG. Habit-reversal: a method of eliminating nervous habits and tics. "Behav Res Ther." 1973 Nov;11(4):619–28. PMID 4777653 As reported in Piacentini JC, Chang SW. Behavioral treatments for tic suppression: habit reversal training. "Adv Neurol." 2006;99:227–33. PMID 16536370] It consists of five components:
#awareness training,
#competing response training,
#contingency management,
#relaxation training, and
#generalization training.

In the case of tics, these components are intended to increase tic awareness, develop a competing response to the tic, and build treatment motivation and compliance. HRT is based on the presence of a premonitory urge, or sensation occurring before a tic. HRT involves replacing a tic with a competing response, a more comfortable or acceptable movement/sound, when a patient feels a premontory urge building. Controlled trials have demonstrated that HRT is an acceptable, tolerable, effective and durable treatment for tics.

HRT still faces several issues including limited data as a result of retrospective, qualitative report studies.

Habit Reversal Therapy, in general, has fewer side effects than pharmecotherapy, and has been proven more effective than supportive psychotherapy.Fact|date=October 2008

References and notes