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

Abstract 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