Trichotillomania, typically linked to anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, was observed in a patient with early-onset Alzheimer's disease, manifesting eight years into her illness. Despite SSRIs being ineffective, her severe hair-pulling behavior responded to quetiapine 150 mg/day. This case and literature review suggested that trichotillomania in dementia might be due to frontostriatal dysfunction, and dopamine blockade could be more effective than SSRIs in managing this behavior.
65 citations,
January 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology” Trichotillomania, a condition where individuals compulsively pull out their own hair, often has a chronic course and is difficult to treat effectively. Traditional treatments have not been satisfactory for many patients. Recently, N-acetylcysteine, a glutamate modulator, has shown promise in treating trichotillomania and other compulsive behaviors. The document described two patients who were successfully treated with N-acetylcysteine, suggesting it as a new alternative for managing this condition. However, further studies were needed to determine the optimal treatment regimen and assess its long-term efficacy.
119 citations,
February 2009 in “Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews” Trichotillomania involves hair pulling and can be treated with therapy and medication.
19 citations,
February 2007 in “International Clinical Psychopharmacology” Quetiapine may cause hair loss, a side effect not widely recognized before.
