Trichotillomania is a medical condition characterized by the recurrent and irresistible urge to pull out one’s hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss that is frequently linked to other psychological processes [1].
Many individuals with this condition go to great lengths to conceal the hair loss caused by compulsive hair-pulling. However, some evidence suggests that N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant and supplement form of the amino acid cysteine, may be effective in treating the symptoms of trichotillomania.
In this post, we will discuss what trichotillomania is, its symptoms, and how NAC may help in managing the condition.
What is Trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania, also known as a hair-pulling disorder, is a mental illness characterized by persistent and uncontrollable impulses to pull out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, or other parts of the body despite efforts to stop it. The hair pulling from the scalp frequently results in patchy bald areas and can be highly distressing, impairing social or career functioning. People suffering from trichotillomania may go to great lengths to conceal their hair loss.
While some individuals may have a minor and largely controllable case of the condition, for others, the compulsive impulse to pull their hair can be quite strong. Several treatment options are available, and many people have successfully reduced or stopped their hair-pulling altogether.
Let’s find out what the symptoms of trichotillomania are in the next section.
Symptoms
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists five criteria for the diagnosis of trichotillomania:
- Hair loss is caused by excessive hair pulling.
- Efforts to discontinue or decrease the frequency of hair pulling.
- The feeling that hair pulling has a detrimental impact on one’s life, particularly social and professional activities.
- No other condition causing hair pulling or hair loss (such as a skin disorder).
- No other mental health disorder is causing the hair pulling.
Many individuals with trichotillomania also engage in related behaviors, such as skin picking, nail biting, or lip biting. Pulling hair from dolls, animals, or objects such as clothing or blankets may also be a warning sign. People with trichotillomania often pull their hair alone and attempt to conceal the condition from others.
For some individuals, hair pulling is a means of relieving tension or distress. For others, it may be an automatic behavior without conscious awareness while doing mundane tasks, such as watching TV or reading.
Trichotillomania is a long-term condition, and without medical intervention, symptoms may become more severe over time, with hormonal changes during menstruation potentially exacerbating symptoms in women.
NAC: A Possible Treatment for Trichotillomania
While there is limited research on trichotillomania treatment, a study in 2012 suggests that NAC may be effective in reducing symptoms of the condition [1]. Another study found that NAC was effective in reducing hair-pulling symptoms in adults with trichotillomania when compared to a placebo [2].
However, it is important to note that NAC is not yet a widely-accepted or FDA-approved treatment for trichotillomania and should be used with caution under the guidance of a medical professional. Also, treatment for trichotillomania typically involves a combination of therapy and medication.
Additionally, it’s also crucial to note that as a standalone therapy, it may not be as effective as compared to when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Therefore, it’s important to work closely with a mental health professional who can help design a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
It’s also important to include information on support groups and other forms of help for those who are suffering from trichotillomania, such as counseling or therapy. Support groups can be a great way to connect with others who understand what you’re going through and can provide emotional support and guidance.
But what is NAC or N-acetylcysteine, and why it showed promising results in treating trichotillomania symptoms?
N-acetylcysteine (NAC): A Supplement Packed with Health Benefits
N-acetyl cysteine, or NAC, is a supplement form of cysteine, which is a semi-essential amino acid. Our body can make cysteine from other amino acids, specifically methionine and serine, making it semi-essential. The only time cysteine becomes essential is when there is a deficiency in methionine and serine in a person’s diet.
NAC Benefits in the Brain
N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a supplement that helps regulate levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate in the brain, may offer benefits for individuals with trichotillomania, a disorder characterized by recurrent hair pulling [3].
Research has shown that excessive levels of glutamate, combined with a deficiency in the antioxidant glutathione, can contribute to several mental illnesses, including OCD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and drug use disorder [4 5 6].
While more studies are needed to fully understand the impact of NAC on trichotillomania, early findings are promising and suggest that NAC may be a useful tool for reducing symptoms of this disorder.
Bottomline: NAC Supplementation Benefits
In conclusion, while more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of NAC as a treatment for trichotillomania, current studies show promising outcomes. It is essential to remember that trichotillomania is a complex condition, and the most effective treatment plan will likely involve a combination of medication, therapy, and support.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Rodrigues-Barata, A. R., Tosti, A., Rodríguez-Pichardo, A., & Camacho-Martínez, F. (2012). N-acetylcysteine in the Treatment of Trichotillomania. International Journal of Trichology, 4(3), 176-178. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.100090
- Grant JE, Odlaug BL, Won Kim S. N-Acetylcysteine, a Glutamate Modulator, in the Treatment of Trichotillomania: A Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2009;66(7):756–763. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2009.60
- Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D, et al., editors. Neuroscience. 2nd edition. Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates; 2001. Glutamate. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10807/
- Minarini A, Ferrari S, Galletti M, Giambalvo N, Perrone D, Rioli G, Galeazzi GM. N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: current status and future prospects. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2017 Mar;13(3):279-292. doi: 10.1080/17425255.2017.1251580. Epub 2016 Nov 2. PMID: 27766914.
- Soo Liang Ooi, Ruth Green, Sok Cheon Pak, “N-Acetylcysteine for the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders: A Review of Current Evidence”, BioMed Research International, vol. 2018, Article ID 2469486, 8 pages, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2469486
- Slattery, J., Kumar, N., Delhey, L., Berk, M., Dean, O., Spielholz, C., & Frye, R. (2015). Clinical trials of N-acetylcysteine in psychiatry and neurology: A systematic review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 55, 294-321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.04.015
