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Stimulant-induced trichotillomania.
Gareen Hamalian1, Leslie Citrome
1Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York City, New York, USA. Gareen.Hamalian@nyumc.org
Substance Abuse
|April 15, 2010
Summary
This study reports the first adult case of stimulant-induced trichotillomania, a hair-pulling disorder. Symptoms resolved after discontinuing amphetamine abuse and starting olanzapine treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Trichotillomania is a mental disorder characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one's hair.
- Previous reports have linked cocaine use to trichotillomania.
- Stimulant medications, such as amphetamines, are increasingly prescribed for conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Observation:
- The authors present a case of adult stimulant-induced trichotillomania.
- The patient had a history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Trichotillomania symptoms emerged concurrently with amphetamine abuse.
Findings:
- Discontinuation of amphetamine use led to the resolution of trichotillomania symptoms.
- Initiation of olanzapine treatment further supported symptom resolution.
- This is the first reported adult case of stimulant-induced trichotillomania.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential association between stimulant use and trichotillomania in adults.
- Further research is warranted to explore the link between stimulants and adverse psychiatric events.
- This case highlights the importance of considering substance abuse in the differential diagnosis of trichotillomania.
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