Research Opportunities
Randomized Control Trial for Trichotillomania
Genetics & BFRBs: Genetic Testing
Survey for Parents of kids with Trichotillomania
Survey for adult individuals with BFRBs
Technology Assisted Treatment of Trichotillomania: Randomized Controlled Trial
Do you have chronic hair pulling (trichotillomania)? A new digital treatment may help!
Dr. Christopher Flessner at Kent State University is working with colleagues at HabitAware, Inc. to test a new digital treatment for hair pulling that integrates a wearable device and mobile app . Our aim is to make effective treatment accessible to as many people as possible with chronic hair pulling.
We’re now recruiting people who live with trichotillomania to test the digital program in a treatment study. If you are eligible, you will complete one of two digital treatments over 12 weeks. Participation also involves completing brief, virtual study assessments and compensation up to $100.
To be eligible, you must:
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Be 18+ years old
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Live in the United States
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Own an iPhone
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Have English fluency
To be eligible, you must NOT:
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Have thoughts of wanting to kill/harm yourself within the past month
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Be experiencing hallucinations or delusions
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Be in current therapy for trichotillomania
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Have used HabitAware’s Keen2 device within the past 24 months
Get Started: To learn more about this study and explore your eligibility, schedule a brief phone call with the study team here: [Bookings link]
You can also learn more by scanning the QR code below or contacting us at:
Email: anxiety@kent.edu
Phone: 330-672-2220
Website: ksuparc.org/habit-aware
Not all those interested will be eligible.
*This advertisement has been approved by the Kent State University Institutional Review Board.
Genetics & BFRBs
About the study:
Your family may be invited to be part of a study of families in which an individual has trichotillomania or other body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB). Although it is well known that genetic factors play a role in causing BFRBs, the responsible genes have not yet been discovered. Recent dramatic advances in genetic techniques hold out the promise that we may soon be able to identify such risk-conferring genes. The purpose of this study is to identify the genetic factors that cause trichotillomania and other BFRBs using a family-based approach. This will greatly contribute to our understanding of these conditions and may help develop new therapies in the future. This study requires participation from an individual impacted by trichotillomania or other BFRB and both biological parents. The study can be done in-person or remotely. We are not able to offer you a report of your genetic results because our studies are performed as research. Our research lab does not offer any treatment.
What do we need from you to participate?
1. Genetic Samples: we will obtain a saliva sample for genetic analysis from the affected individual and both parents.
2. Questionnaire: we will ask you to complete a standardized questionnaire asking about BFRBs and related disorders, as well as questions about your medical and psychiatric history.
If you have further questions or are interested in participating in our study, please contact us at
tabsstudy@yale.edu or call us at 203-737-6942.
Thank you for your interest in participating in this research study!
Study Information:Study Title: Genetic and molecular studies of developmental neuropsychiatric disorders associated with cognitive and behavioral impairment
Study Sponsors: National Institute of Mental Health/NIH/DHHS, Yale Center for Clinical Investigation, Yale Child Study Center.
HIC: 0301024156
Do You Have a Child Who Pulls Their Hair?
Help Us Learn More About How They Feel
The Pediatric Anxiety and Related Disorders Center (PARC) at Kent State University is conducting a research study to better understand how children and teens who pull their hair (a condition known as trichotillomania) feel about themselves and their behavior.
We are currently seeking parents and legal guardians of children and adolescents who pull their hair to participate in an online research study.
You may be eligible if:
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You are a parent or legal guardian of a child between 10 and 18 years old
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Your child currently pulls their hair
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You live with your child at least 50% of the time
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English is your primary language
Eligible participants will complete a set of online questionnaires about their child and their child's experiences with hair pulling.
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The survey takes approximately 15–20 minutes
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Participation is entirely online
Your participation is completely voluntary, and responses are confidential.
Click here to participate or learn more
Principal Investigator: Christopher Flessner Contact us at: anxiety@kent.edu or 333-672-2200
This study has been approved by the Kent State University Institutional Review Board (IRB).
