TLDR N-acetylcysteine effectively treats trichotillomania.
Trichotillomania, a behavioral disorder characterized by hair-pulling leading to alopecia, affected 1% of adults and 2-4.4% of psychiatric patients, with higher prevalence in adolescents and females. The condition often involved the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. N-acetylcysteine, a glutamate modulating agent, showed promise as a treatment by reducing oxidative stress and normalizing glutaminergic transmission. The paper reported a case where trichotillomania responded excellently to N-acetylcysteine treatment.
16 citations
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January 2015 in “Annals of Dermatology” The study found specific hair and scalp patterns for different types of hair loss in Koreans, noting racial differences affect diagnosis.
8 citations
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September 2021 in “Skin appendage disorders” Trichotillomania treatment is most successful with a mix of behavioral therapy, medication, and social support.
Topical treatments like minoxidil and corticosteroids are effective for hair loss, with JAK inhibitors promising for alopecia areata.
38 citations
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April 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Many skin patients have mental health issues, but few dermatologists are well-versed in treating these conditions.
47 citations
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October 2014 in “Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs” New alopecia treatments aim for better results and fewer side effects.
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.
