Keen2 bracelet to increase awareness and reduce hair-pulling in adults with trichotillomania
Official title: Technology Assisted Treatment for Trichotillomania: Open Trial
Run by HabitAware Inc. · NCT07224126 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will try a Keen2 wearable bracelet to help adults with trichotillomania notice and reduce hair-pulling by detecting episodes and sending personalized vibration alerts.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | HabitAware Inc. Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 1 site (Kent, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 9, 2026 |
| Study ends | January 9, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 10, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07224126 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) with a diagnosis of trichotillomania who speak English, own an iPhone, have internet access, are not changing TTM treatments (or have been stable for 6+ weeks), and can identify an emergency contact are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with active suicidal or homicidal ideation, unstable psychiatric conditions, those who do not use an iPhone, or those currently changing pharmacologic or psychosocial TTM treatments are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This open-label, single-arm feasibility study gives adults with trichotillomania a Keen2 bracelet and companion app for eight weeks to test a digital awareness intervention. During the first four weeks participants wear the device and log contextual details after each detected pulling episode. In weeks five through eight the system uses those data to deliver individualized predictive vibration alerts tied to stimulus control, competing responses, and coping strategies. Primary outcomes include usability, adherence, and change in self-reported pulling severity (MGH-HPS) from baseline to week 8 with a week 12 follow-up.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the bracelet could help people with trichotillomania become more aware of triggers and reduce pulling by providing timely reminders and coping prompts.
How similar studies have gone: Small feasibility and pilot studies of wearable awareness devices for body-focused repetitive behaviors have shown promise for improving awareness, but randomized controlled evidence remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age (criterion 1a) with a diagnosis of TTM (criterion 1b) * Must reportEnglish as their primary language (criterion 2) * Report no current pharmacological or psychosocial intervention targeting TTM symptoms OR a6-week course of either intervention modality without change in frequency,intensity, or dosage (criterion 3) * Reliable and consistent access to the internet and/or mobile device permitting the participant to meet withsomeone virtually for 90 min. * Must report owning/access to a mobilephone running on Apple's operating system (iOS) * Identifies a support person that is able to be contacted is an emergency arises. * Agrees to allow the Kent State research team to share home address, mobile number, andalternate number/email with HabitAware, Inc., for purposes of mailing Keen2device and setting up Keen2 system. Exclusion Criteria: * Current suicidal/homicidal ideation, intent, or plan * a diagnosis of another psychiatric condition that may impeded a participant's ability to fully utilize the app (e.g., psychotic disorder, major depressive disorder)
Where it's running
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Department of Psychological Sciences
Kent, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Christopher Flessner, PhD
- Email: anxiety@kent.edu
- Phone: (330) 672-2200
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.