Leveraging Technological Advancements to Improve the Treatment of Trichotillomania

Last updated: September 10, 2024
Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Alopecia

Hair Loss

Scalp Disorders

Treatment

HabitAware Keen2

Clinical Study ID

NCT05003401
IRB00279950
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

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.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. 18 years of age or older;

  2. meet diagnostic criteria for TTM using the TDI-R

  3. have a MGH-HPS total score ≥ 12 at baseline;

(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

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. an inability to complete rating scales, and

  2. an inability to attend study visits

Study Design

Total Participants: 25
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: HabitAware Keen2
Phase:
Study Start date:
November 17, 2021
Estimated Completion Date:
July 16, 2024

Study Description

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.

Connect with a study center

  • Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

    Baltimore, Maryland 21205
    United States

    Site Not Available

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