Lithium treatment of chronic hair pulling.
Ten patients with chronic hair pulling received trials of lithium carbonate of 2 to 14 months' duration. Eight patients demonstrated decreased hair pulling and mild to marked hair regrowth. Three responders experienced increased hair pulling subsequent to discontinuation of lithium treatment. Lithium's effect on hair pulling may be related to its observed benefits in treating aggressivity, impulsivity, and mood instability.
Christenson
G A
GA
Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis.
Popkin
M K
MK
Mackenzie
T B
TB
Realmuto
G M
GM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D008297:Male; D011613:Psychotherapy; D014256:Trichotillomania / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D008094:Lithium