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Q. I am desperate and hope you can help. I suffer from trichotillomania. I pull hairs constantly and this leaves little bald spots. No matter how hard I try I cannot stop.
I seem to recall hearing on your radio program this summer something about an amino acid that could calm the compulsion to pull out hair. Please tell me what that is.
A. Trichotillomania is a mysterious condition in which the victim feels an overwhelming urge to pull out hair. Stress often triggers people to pull hair from their heads, eyebrows, eyelashes or even pubic area. Physicians don't understand what causes this problem and there is no FDA-approved treatment.
Researchers reported in the Archives of General Psychiatry (July 6, 2009) that the amino acid N-acetylcysteine could help ease trichotillomania symptoms. Subjects were randomized to either 1200 mg per day of the dietary supplement or placebo. If there was no improvement after six weeks, the dose was increased to 2400 mg per day.
The investigators concluded that, "This randomized, double-blind, clinical trial indicates that N-acetylcysteine is safe and more effective than placebo for the treatment of trichotillomania." Although no adverse events were reported in the study, some people may experience headache, itching, flatulence, increased blood pressure or fatigue when taking N-acetylcysteine.
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This is in response to the question regarding Trichotillomania in the Jackson, MS Clarion-Ledger newspaper. I host a support group in Memphis,TN once a month for those affected by this condition. The group is open to pullers themselves; both children and adults, family members, and friends. In the past, little was known about this condition; however it is becoming more well known and talked about. For anyone interested in coming to the support group, please go to www.trich.org and look under "Find a Support Group Near You". You do not have to suffer in silence and you are not alone.
As a very young child in the '30's I also pulled out my hair. Not only did I pull my hair out but I also ate it! I kept a bald spot for a long time. My mother took me to the doctor...now remember this was in the 1930's and he recommended that she give me Mead's Brewer Yeast because he felt I had a deficiency. His recommendation was also that she shave my head in order to try and break the habit. She did and it did!!
I wonder if this might also help with compulsive lip/cheek biting?
I also wonder if it would help with cheek biting. I've been doing it since 7th grade, and I have terrible wrinkles around my mouth now, as if I'd been a smoker all this time. I cannot stop. I think it's worth a try.