Technology Assisted Treatment for Trichotillomania: Open Trial
HabitAware Inc.
Summary
This open-label feasibility trial evaluates the use of the Keen2 awareness bracelet for adults with trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder). Participants will use the bracelet for eight weeks. During the first four weeks, they will wear the device and log contextual information (such as emotions, location, and activity) after each detected hair-pulling episode. Based on these data, participants will then receive tailored predictive alerts designed to support use of stimulus control, competing responses, and coping strategies. The study will assess usability, adherence, and changes in self-reported hair-pulling severity and awareness.
Description
This single-arm study is designed to test the feasibility and preliminary behavioral impact of a digital awareness intervention for trichotillomania. Participants aged 18 and older who report recurrent hair-pulling will receive a Keen2 bracelet and companion mobile app for an eight-week period. Phase 1 (Weeks 1-4): Participants will use the device to detect pulling episodes and will record contextual information (such as time of day, emotional state, and environmental triggers) in the app following each detection. Phase 2 (Weeks 5-8): Using data from the first phase, the system will deliver…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age (criterion 1a) with a diagnosis of TTM (criterion 1b) * Must reportEnglish as their primary language (criterion 2) * Report no current pharmacological or psychosocial intervention targeting TTM symptoms OR a6-week course of either intervention modality without change in frequency,intensity, or dosage (criterion 3) * Reliable and consistent access to the internet and/or mobile device permitting the participant to meet withsomeone virtually for 90 min. * Must report owning/access to a mobilephone running on Apple's operating system (iOS) * Identifies a supp…
Interventions
- BehavioralKeen2 Predictive Awareness Bracelet
The Keen2 is a wrist-worn awareness bracelet paired with a mobile app that helps individuals with trichotillomania recognize and reduce hair-pulling behavior. The bracelet uses motion sensors to detect hand movements consistent with pulling and delivers gentle vibration alerts to increase awareness. During the first four weeks, participants log contextual information about each detected episode, including emotional state, location, and activity. Based on these data, the system delivers predictive vibration alerts during weeks five through eight to prompt behavior change strategies across three domains: (1) stimulus control, (2) competing response training, and (3) coping strategies.
Location
- Department of Psychological SciencesKent, Ohio