Technology Assisted Treatment for Trichotillomania
Start Date
5/15/2026
Completion Date
12/31/2026
Summary
The investigators are testing two digital health interventions for trichotillomania (TTM), via a randomized trial design.
Detailed 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) a digital behavior therapy that includes a wrist worn motion detection device to enhance awareness and a companion mobile application that provides psychoeducation, awareness training (e.g., self-monitoring), and behavioral strategy suggestions or (b) a digital general wellness intervention that includes a reminder bracelet (i.e., a wrist-worn visual reminder not to pull) accompanied by a smartphone app that includes general context logging and delivery of general health tips.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Range: 18 years to No maximum
Interventions
Keen2 bracelet
Reminder bracelet
Keen2 app
Health Reminders App
Conditions
Locations
Department of Psychological Sciences
Kent, Ohio 44242
United States