Reversal of trichotillomania with aripiprazole.
Trichotillomania (TTM) is a common psychiatric illness with marked chronicity and comorbidity that significantly impacts on psychosocial functioning and physical features of the sufferer. Treatment studies, to date, using behavioral and pharmacological interventions alone or simultaneously, are equivocal with few showing a sustained cessation of hair-plucking. In this report of a single patient with treatment resistant TTM, the sole use of the atypical neuroleptic Aripiprazole resulted in a cessation of hair-plucking maintained, at the time of reporting, for a period of 24 months. This finding, a first with Aripiprazole, warrants further investigation of this drug in the treatment of TTM.
Jefferys
Don
D
School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia. donjeff@iprimus.com.au
Burrows
Graham
G
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068180:Aripiprazole; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009025:Morpholines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015363:Quinolones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077593:Reboxetine; D012649:Self Concept; D020280:Sertraline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012917:Social Adjustment; D014256:Trichotillomania / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D009025:Morpholines; D010879:Piperazines; D015363:Quinolones; D000068180:Aripiprazole; D000077593:Reboxetine; D020280:Sertraline