TLDR N-acetylcysteine improved symptoms of trichotillomania and bulimia.
This case study from 2021 described the treatment of a patient with trichotillomania and bulimia using N-acetylcysteine synergistic therapy. The treatment significantly improved both the hair-pulling behavior and binge eating symptoms. The findings suggested that N-acetylcysteine could be considered as a synergistic or adjuvant treatment for impulse control disorders. Additionally, the study proposed that trichotillomania and bulimia might share a common pathophysiological mechanism.
23 citations
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April 2017 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” Dermatologists should screen for and manage psychological issues in patients with skin conditions to improve their quality of life.
14 citations
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February 2017 in “Anais brasileiros de dermatologia/Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia” Trichotillomania is often misdiagnosed as alopecia areata and can be treated effectively with N-acetylcysteine and psychotropic drugs.
219 citations
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September 2016 in “American Journal of Psychiatry” Trichotillomania is different from OCD and is best treated with habit reversal therapy and specific medications.
Topical treatments like minoxidil and corticosteroids are effective for hair loss, with JAK inhibitors promising for alopecia areata.
30 citations
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August 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy” Better-designed, long-term studies are needed to optimize treatment for trichotillomania and trichophagia.
