Vibrating bracelet may curb Hair-Pulling disorder
NCT ID NCT05118633
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a vibrating bracelet called Keen2 that buzzes when it detects hair-pulling motions, paired with a smartphone app that teaches behavior-changing techniques. Researchers will compare it to a non-vibrating reminder bracelet in 90 adults with trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder). The goal is to see if the tech-assisted approach reduces pulling severity after 8 weeks.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Keen2 bracelet and app
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a convenient, drug-free way to manage hair-pulling urges at home.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with no blinding, so results may not be conclusive. The device only helps with awareness, not underlying causes.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 90 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2026
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18 years of age or older (criterion 1a) with a diagnosis of TTM focused on primary hair pulling location(s) above the neck (e.g., scalp, eyebrows, eye lashes, beard) (criterion 1b). 2. English language fluency (criterion 2). 3. Report no current pharmacological intervention targeting TTM symptoms OR a 6-week course of the intervention without change in dosage and intent for that dosage to remain stable for the 12 weeks of this trial (criterion 3a). 4. Report no current psychosocial intervention targeting TTM (criterion 3b) 4\. Reliable and consistent access to the internet and/or mobile device permitting the participant to meet with someone virtually for 90 min. 5\. Owns a mobile phone running on Apple's operating system (iOS 6+) 6. Identifies a support person that is able to be contacted if an emergency arises. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Current suicidal/homicidal ideation, intent, or plan (criterion 1a) or a diagnosis of another psychiatric condition that may impede a participant's ability to fully utilize the app (e.g., psychotic disorder, eating disorder, moderate to severe major depressive disorder \[defined by meeting diagnostic criteria on the MINI and a score \>13 on DASS-21\]) (criterion 1b) 2. Has not used HabitAware's Keen or Keen2 bracelet in the past 24 months. 3. Residing outside the United States
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Department of Psychological Sciences
RECRUITINGKent, Ohio, 44242, United States
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