Short-term intervention complemented by wearable technology improves Trichotillomania - A naturalistic single-case...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), like Trichotillomania, often co-occur with other psychiatric conditions.
• Wearable technology offers a novel approach for BFRB treatment, but its use in naturalistic settings is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of combining wearable technology with Habit-Reversal Training (HRT) for Trichotillomania.
• To assess the applicability of this intervention in a real-world, outpatient setting for a patient with comorbid ADHD and examination phobia.

Main Methods:

• A single-case experimental design was employed, integrating a wearable vibration device with HRT.
• HRT included awareness training (using vibration alarms) and competing response training.
• Intervention effectiveness was measured via daily self-reports and device monitoring over 214 days.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in daily hair-pulling episodes was observed.
• The wearable device effectively alerted the participant to critical hair-pulling behaviors.
• The intervention was successfully integrated into the participant's daily life.

Conclusions:

• This preliminary study suggests that wearable technology combined with HRT is a promising intervention for Trichotillomania, even in patients with comorbid disorders.
• Further group studies are needed to validate these findings and establish broader effectiveness.
• The approach demonstrates potential for psychotherapeutic outpatient care for BFRBs.