N‐Acetylcysteine in the treatment of trichotillomania: remarkable results in two patients. (5th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Özcan, D.; Seçkin, D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Volume 30:Number 9(2016:Sep.)
• Page Start: 1606
• Page End: 1608
• Publication Date: 2016-05-05
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/jdv.13690
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0926-9959

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The management of trichotillomania is challenging. The limited efficacy and side‐effects of pharmacological medications and difficulty in long‐term maintenance of behavioural therapies necessitates alternative treatment options. A dysregulated glutamatergic system has been implicated in the pathophysiology of trichotillomania. A limited number of reports indicate that N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutamate modulator, may be a promising treatment for this disorder. Objectives: We report two patients with trichotillomania for whom treatment with NAC was successful. Methods: The first patient was a 30‐year‐old female, and the second patient was a 14‐year‐old girl, both who were diagnosed with trichotillomania and prescribed NAC (1200 mg/d, p.o.). Results: Hair pulling behaviour subsided within 2 months and 2 weeks of initiating NAC in the first and second patient, respectively. Complete hair regrowth was observed after 4 and 6 months of NAC treatment in the first and second patient, respectively. No side‐effects related to NAC were noted. Conclusion: NAC could be a well‐tolerated and effective treatment option for trichotillomania.