Technology Assisted Treatment of Trichotillomania: Open Trial

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 individualized predictive vibration alerts when behavioral patterns suggest increased risk of pulling. Alerts correspond to three intervention domains: (1) Stimulus control (reducing environmental cues), (2) Competing response training (engaging hands in alternative actions), and (3) Coping strategies (implementing relaxation or cognitive techniques). Primary outcomes include usability, adherence, and changes in hair-pulling severity measured by the Massachusetts General Hospital Hairpulling Scale (MGH-HPS) from baseline to week 8, with a follow up at week 12. Secondary outcomes include knowledge of interventional domains as well as qualitative feedback on device helpfulness.