Habit reversal training (HRT) is an evidence-based multicomponent behavioral treatment developed to address a wide variety of repetitive behavior disorders/habit disorders. It is one of the most effective non-pharmacological treatments. It involves increasing awareness of these repetitive behaviors and learning to use socially appropriate behavior instead.
What are repetitive behavior disorders?
- Tics
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Trichotilimania
- Nail biting
- Thumb sucking
- Skin picking
- Etc.
- Children
- Adolescents
- Adults
- Awareness training
- Increase awareness of the repetitive behavior urges and performance
- Helps person focus on instances that the behavior is likely to occur
- Helps the person gain better self-control
- Competing response training
- Develop a competing response that replaces the old unwanted behavior
- Engage in competing behavior when feel tic urge
- Must be inconspicuous and easy to implement
- Examples – squeezing a squishy ball or playing with play doh
- Social Support
- Involving family members, teachers, friends
- Provide positive reinforcement and feedback every time the person uses or practices a competing response
