Leveraging Technological Advancements to Improve the Treatment of Trichotillomania
Leveraging Technological Advancements to Improve the Treatment of Trichotillomania
This project will examine the effect using the Keen 2 on hair pulling styles (automatic and focused), the severity of hair pulling behaviors, and related psychiatric symptoms. Given that the Keen2 is anticipated to increase awareness of pulling behavior (but not necessarily change pulling behavior), the investigators hypothesize that the Keen 2 will increase awareness of pulling behaviors and reduce automatic pulling behavior. The investigators will explore reductions in overall hair pulling severity and related psychiatric symptoms.
Novel technologies present one solution to help identify and reduce automatic pulling behaviors associated with trichotillomania (TTM). The Keen 2 is one such novel technology, which is a bracelet which gives the user alerts in the form of a vibration when the user is engaging in hair pulling behavior. Thus, using the Keen 2 could positively increase the awareness of automatic pulling behaviors, which is largely unaffected by existing evidence-based treatments like HRT. This information would be advantageous for the scientific community to determine the possible benefit of this approach to help individuals with TTM.
This project will examine the effect using the Keen 2 on hair pulling styles (automatic and focused), the severity of hair pulling behaviors, and related psychiatric symptoms. Given that the Keen2 is anticipated to increase awareness of pulling behavior (but not necessarily change pulling behavior), the investigators hypothesize that the Keen 2 will increase awareness of pulling behaviors and reduce automatic pulling behavior. The investigators will explore reductions in overall hair pulling severity and related psychiatric symptoms.
Inclusion Criteria:
(3) have an "automatic" pulling score ≥ 15 on the MIST; (4) able to wear the Keen2 device for four weeks; (5) able to attend three study visits; (6) unmedicated or a stable dose of psychiatric medication for 8 weeks prior to enrollment; (7) be English speaking.
Exclusion Criteria: