trichotillomania

Trichotillomania refers to a compulsion to pull out one’s hair. It is related to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and other related conditions. The act of pulling hair frequently provides comfort and/or a reduction in anxiety at the moment but overall is associated with significant distress and social or occupational impairment (Grant JE, Chamberlain SR). Its prevalence is estimated at 1%-2% of the population (Harper C). In terms of psychological etiology, trichotillomania has been postulated as a way to reduce stress, anxiety, and other negative emotional states; indeed, elevated stress and anxiety are associated with a worsening of symptoms. Treatments that reduce stress and anxiety may therefore alleviate symptoms in some individuals. Try BLAST® during situations where one is most likely to pull or pick at their hair.

How blast® works for trichotillomania

BLAST® INTERVENES

TouchPoint Solution’s wearable devices are embedded with patented BLAST® (bi-lateral alternating stimulation tactile) technology. BLAST® is scientifically proven to alter the body’s “fight or flight” response caused by stress. The wearables emit alternating vibrations that disengage your standard stress response (sympathetic nervous system), and shift you into the calm, logical side of your brain (parasympathetic nervous system).

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CHANGE OCCURS

When using BLAST® consistently when stressed, overtime you may not need them in certain situations as they become less stressful because of BLAST®. One of the ways BLAST® works is by creating new neural pathways that help modify the memories that trigger our stress response. With continued use of BLAST®, these new neural pathways can build overtime, progressively reducing the release of stress related hormones that can cause stress.

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MEASURABLE IMPACT

Studies show that within just 30 seconds of using TouchPoints, people experienced a 74% reduction in their stress levels and a 68% reduction in body sensations related to stress. This data combined with our archived data suggest that there is a consistency in offering users significant relief from physiological and psychological stress in about 30 seconds. View our full Stress Study.

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How to use BLAST® for trichotillomania

Before you start:

Learn the basics behind operating your TouchPoints. Understand how to operate your TouchPoints, the different modes, and more with our online user guide.

Read the User Guide

When to use BLAST®:

Spot: Use during the duration of the activity or time when an adult typically pulls hair such as reading, homework, laying in bed at night, etc.

Preventative: If you can anticipate being in a stressful scenario, begin using TouchPoints 15-30 minutes prior and during.

How to use BLAST®:

Where: Place TouchPoints on your wrists, ankles, clipped to pant pockets, or simply hold them in your hands.

Mode: Use the Medium/Yellow mode.

Timing: Use for the duration of the stressful activity

Grant JE, Chamberlain SR. Trichotillomania. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2016;173(9):868-874. doi:10.1176/APPI.AJP.2016.15111432/ASSET/IMAGES/LARGE/APPI.AJP.2016.15111432F2.JPEG

Harper C. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.; 2014.