Pilot Trial of a Technology Assisted Treatment for Trichotillomania

Authors

Jordan T. Stiede, Marquette UniversityFollow
Douglas W. Woods, Marquette UniversityFollow
Aneela K. Idnani, HabitAware®
John Pritchard, HabitAware®
Kirk Klobe, HabitAware®
Sameer Kumar, HabitAware®

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2022

Publisher

Elsevier

Source Publication

Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

Source ISSN

2211-3649

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1016/j.jocrd.2022.100726

Abstract

The present study examined the usability, acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a prototype wrist-worn motion detection device and accompanying mobile app, developed by HabitAware®, as a system for delivering self-administered Habit Reversal Training (HRT). As an exploratory aim, the effect of the device and HRT app combination was compared to a reminder bracelet. The pilot trial included 15 adults with trichotillomania who interacted with the device and app system (n = 10) or reminder bracelet (n = 5) for 4 weeks. Participants in the device and app condition reported high usability, acceptability, and perceived efficacy of the system. The device and HRT app combination reduced hair pulling severity. Individuals in the reminder bracelet condition also showed a significant improvement in hair pulling. A future efficacy study with a larger sample size, longer timeframe, and improved gesture detection algorithm is warranted.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, Vol. 33 (April, 2022): 100726. DOI. © 2022 Elsevier. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Stiede, Jordan T.; Woods, Douglas W.; Idnani, Aneela K.; Pritchard, John; Klobe, Kirk; and Kumar, Sameer, "Pilot Trial of a Technology Assisted Treatment for Trichotillomania" (2022). Psychology Faculty Research and Publications. 549.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/psych_fac/549