Awareness Enhancing Device (AED) for Trichotillomania, Principal Investigator: Joseph Himle, PhD

Trichotillomania is a disorder that involves voluntary hair-pulling resulting in hair loss. Common sites for plucking include the scalp, eyes, or pubic regions. Excessive hair pulling over a lifetime is present in approximately 2-5% of the general population. Trichotillomania is associated with significant emotional distress, medical complications, and substantial impairment in social and occupational functioning. While self-awareness training is supported as an important aspect in the treatment of this disorder, patients often struggle with awareness of pulling behaviors. Activities commonly associated with pulling include reading, watching TV, driving and most other sedentary situations.

This project involves feasibility testing of an new electronic device designed to increase awareness of pulling related behaviors. Participants wear the device at home for approximately two hours each night for three weeks. The project will allow researchers to evaluate the usability of the device in the home and will gain an early-stage impression of whether this device is helpful in increasing awareness of pulling behaviors among persons with trichotillomania.