Common amino acid may curb compulsive hair pulling of trichotillomania

An amino acid, often found in commercial anti-oxidant health food supplements, may relieve some compulsive urges for patients suffering from trichotillomania, according to a study from the University of Minnesota (MU) Medical School.

In a double-blind 12-week trial, 25 patients suffering with trichotillomania, often characterised by compulsive hair-pulling, were given the amino acid N-acetylcysteine and 25 were given a placebo.

The average patient age was about 34, of which most had been afflicted with compulsive behaviours since 12.

After only 9 weeks, patients who were administered the compound, (1200 mg per day for 6 weeks then 2400 mg per day for the remaining time), had reduced compulsive hair pulling.

Only 16 percent of patients receiving the placebo reported improvement, while more than half on the dosage reported improvement.

According to MU associate professor of psychiatry and principal investigator of the study Professor Jon Grant, the research holds promise for those affected by the disorder, as some patients may pull hair so compulsively it leads to noticeable hair loss.

It is believe 2–4 percent of the general US population may be affected in some way.

It is though the amino acid lowers levels of the chemical glutamate in areas of the brain responsible for excitement and compulsion.

The Archives of General Psychiatry published the report in the July issue.