Trichotillomania (hair pulling) has an estimated lifetime prevalence of 1-3%. Children with
trichotillomania can experience significant impairment due to peer teasing, avoidance of
activities (such as swimming and socializing), difficulty concentrating on school work and
medical complications due to pulling behaviors. Despite the fact that trichotillomania has a
childhood onset, no randomized, controlled trials have been completed in childhood
trichotillomania.
Research in adults with trichotillomania has demonstrated that most commonly currently
prescribed treatment for trichotillomania, (pharmacotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors) is ineffective in treating this condition. By contrast, randomized controlled
trials in adults have suggested the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine as well as behavioral
treatments such as Habit Reversal Therapy.
The goal of this trial is to determine the efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine for pediatric
trichotillomania. N-Acetylcysteine is a glutamate modulating agent, with a fairly benign
side-effect profile.