ENCYCLOPEDIA OF USES

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.

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). 

Change Occurs

When using BLAST® consistently to manage aggressive behavior, 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 aggressive behavior. 

Measurable Impact

Excess levels of cortisol may be released as your body’s response to stress that may result in agitation and irritability. A triple blind placebo-controlled trial with athletes showed TouchPoints™ stabilized cortisol levels during stressful events and reduced the level of stress. (Leal-Junior, E. C., Casalechi, H. L., Machado, C. dos, Serin, A., Hageman, N. S., & Johnson, D. S., 2019) View our full Stress Study.

Feature
TouchPoints
Thodian
Core Technology

Uses patented
BLAST technology

Uses patented
BLAST technology

How It Solves Stress

Uses bi-lateral alternating stimulating touch to help interrupt the stress response

Uses bi-lateral alternating stimulating touch to help interrupt the stress response

Product Style

Simple, manual, on-demand

Advanced, app-guided, and personalized

App Use

No app required

iOS or Android app required for setup and to start sessions

Guided Modes

Three selectable speed settings

Six guided modes: Sleep, Focus, Composed, Confident, Rational, and Calm

Customization

None

Custom modes for a more personalized experience

Wearable Integration

None

Optional Apple Watch and/or Garmin integration for biometric stress awareness

Ease of Use

Simple, easy, fast everyday use

Easy to use, with more guided 
features and personalization

Best For

People who want simple, app-free support; families; clinicians using it in practice

People who want a more personalized, customizable product experience with guided sessions and optional biometric awareness

What's Included

Pair of TouchPoints and clips, charging cable, free setup consultation

Pair of Tokens and clips, charging cable, free setup consultation

Price

$219.99–$229.99

$279.99 + optional premium app subscription

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

Before you start

Learn the basics behind operating your Thodian. Download the app, learn how to pair your Thodian Tokens and more with our online user guide.

Read the User Guide 

When to use BLAST®

On-the-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 10-30 minutes prior and during.

How to use BLAST®

Session: Focus

Recommended Placement: Clip to socks.

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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.