Technology Assisted Treatment for Trichotillomania
HabitAware Inc.
Summary
The investigators are testing two digital health interventions for trichotillomania (TTM), via a randomized trial design.
Description
Trichotillomania is characterized by recurrent hair pulling despite repeated attempts to stop, resulting in hair loss as well as significant distress and impairment. Behavior therapies focused on increasing awareness of hair pulling followed by the use of an incompatible behavior (i.e., competing response) and other behavioral strategies (e.g., stimulus control) are efficacious. In this randomized control trial, we are testing the preliminary efficacy of two digital health interventions for adults with TTM (N=90). Participants will be randomly assigned (50/50 chance) to receive 8 weeks of (a)…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18 years of age or older (criterion 1a) with a diagnosis of TTM focused on primary hair pulling location(s) above the neck (e.g., scalp, eyebrows, eye lashes, beard) (criterion 1b). 2. English language fluency (criterion 2). 3. Report no current pharmacological intervention targeting TTM symptoms OR a 6-week course of the intervention without change in dosage and intent for that dosage to remain stable for the 12 weeks of this trial (criterion 3a). 4. Report no current psychosocial intervention targeting TTM (criterion 3b) 4\. Reliable and consistent access to the inte…
Interventions
- DeviceKeen2 bracelet
Participants will receive an awareness bracelet (Keen2) which vibrates upon detection of hair pulling motion, supporting behavior therapy for hair pulling delivered by the Keen2 app.
- DeviceReminder bracelet
Participants will receive a non-vibrating bracelet to wear as a visual reminder not to pull.
- BehavioralKeen2 app
Participants will be given access to a smartphone app. The bracelet and app work together to implement key features of habit reversal training for TTM, including psychoeducation, awareness training, competing response training, and personalized just-in-time stimulus control and other behavioral strategy reminders.
- BehavioralHealth Reminders App
Participants will be given access to a smartphone app that will prompt them to log their context (e.g., location and activity) throughout the day and provide general health tips.
Location
- Department of Psychological SciencesKent, Ohio