title: Use of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram in treatment of trichotillomania.
abstract: Previous trials of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of trichotillomania have provided conflicting data. Furthermore, the efficacy of citalopram, the most selective of the SSRIs, in trichotillomania has not previously been documented. Citalopram was used on an open-label naturalistic basis in 14 (1 male and 13 females) patients who presented with chronic hair-pulling and met DSM-IV criteria for trichotillomania. Ratings were completed every 2 weeks for 12 weeks, during which time dosage was increased to a maximum of 60 mg daily (mean dose 36.2 +/- 13.9 mg). One patient was unable to tolerate citalopram. In completers, ratings on each of the scales employed were significantly improved after treatment. Of completers 38.5% were responders (Clinical Global Impressions score of 2 or less) at week 12. Citalopram appears to be safe in trichotillomania, and it may be effective in a subset of patients. Given the relatively low response rate, however, a controlled trial is needed before this agent can be said to be more effective than placebo. The pharmacotherapy of trichotillomania deserves further study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bouwer
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Maud
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015283:Citalopram / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012107:Research Design; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014256:Trichotillomania / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D015283:Citalopram; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors