The Potential of N -Acetylcysteine for Treatment of Trichotillomania, Excoriation Disorder, Onychophagia, and Onychotillomania: An Updated Literature Review

Debra K. Lee and Shari R. Lipner
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Debra K. Lee: Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
Shari R. Lipner: Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 11, 1-15

Abstract: Background: Trichotillomania (TTM), excoriation disorder, onychophagia, and onychotillomania are categorized as body focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) disorders, causing damage to the skin, hair, and/or nails with clinically significant psychosocial consequences. Currently, there are no standardized treatments for these compulsive, self-induced disorders. Studies on treatment of these disorders using psychotropic drugs (i.e., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants) have shown variable efficacy. Recently, there is a growing interest in N -acetylcysteine (NAC) for treating BFRBs. NAC is a glutamate modulator that has shown promise in successfully reducing the compulsive behaviors in BFRB disorders. This article provides an updated review of the literature on the use of NAC in TTM, excoriation disorder, onychophagia, and onychotillomania. Methods: Relevant articles were searched in the PubMed/MEDLINE database. Results: Twenty-four clinical trials, retrospective cohort studies, and case reports assessing the efficacy of NAC in TTM, excoriation disorder, and onychophagia were included. No studies for onychotillomania were found in our search. Conclusions: Although NAC has proven successful for treatment of BFRB disorders, data is derived from few clinical trials and case reports assessing small numbers of patients. Larger studies with longer durations are needed to fully establish the efficacy of NAC in these disorders.

Keywords: N -acetylcysteine; NAC; body focused repetitive behavior; BFRB; trichotillomania; hair pulling; excoriation disorder; skin picking; onychophagia; onychotillomania (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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