N-acetylcysteine improved symptoms of trichotillomania in a clinical trial

Trichotillomania is a type of compulsive disorder characterized by repetitive hair pulling.  Besides the obvious hair loss, people with trichotillomania often suffer serious psychosocial problems and report reduced work productivity and impaired quality of life. Till now, there have been no medications of proven value in reducing the symptoms of trichotillomania.  But a study from the University of Minnesota may offer new hope for those suffering with trichotillomania. 

A group of 50 patients with trichotillomania was given either the amino acid N-acetylcysteine or placebo for 12 weeks.  At the end of the study period, 56% of those in the N-acetylcysteine group reported themselves improved or even very much improved, compared to only 16% of those in the placebo group.  The improvement for the patients with trichotillomania taking N-acetylcysteine was greater than with other medications that have been tried and comparable to that seen with cognitive behavior therapy. 

The researchers believe that N-acetylcysteine calms trichotillomania by acting on the glutamate system in the brain, affecting circuits that are involved in compulsive behaviors. N-acetylcysteine is an amino acid, it is cheap and readily available. Further trials are now needed to confirm these promising results in trichotillomania. 

Source

Grant J, Odlaug B and Kim S N-acetylcysteine, a glutamate modulator, in the treatment of trichotillomania. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Archives of General Psychiatry July 2009;66:756-763