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Fluvoxamine treatment of trichotillomania
M A Stanley1, J K Breckenridge, A C Swann
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Medical School, Houston, USA.
Abstract:
The present study examined the efficacy of fluvoxamine in the treatment of trichotillomania (TM) and coexistent clinical features. Twenty-one participants with a principal diagnosis of TM were given fluvoxamine in a 12-week open trial. For 13 patients who completed treatment, significant improvement was noted on only a few measures of hair pulling. End-state analyses for the entire group of participants, however, demonstrated significant improvement in measures of distress, duration, control, and resistance. Significant decreases over treatment were also found on measures of coexistent anxiety for both the completer and the entire participant groups; depressive symptoms improved for completers. Conclusions about the effectiveness of fluvoxamine for treatment of TM cannot be drawn, given the uncontrolled nature of the study; however, end-state analyses suggest the potential utility of fluvoxamine in a subset of patients with TM.
Insights
Fluvoxamine showed potential for treating trichotillomania (TM) symptoms, particularly distress and anxiety, in an open trial. While not conclusive, results suggest utility for some patients with TM.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Trichotillomania (TM) is a disorder characterized by compulsive hair pulling.
- Coexisting anxiety and depressive symptoms are common in individuals with TM.
- Limited research exists on the pharmacological treatment of TM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of fluvoxamine in treating trichotillomania.
- To assess the impact of fluvoxamine on coexistent anxiety and depressive symptoms.
- To explore the potential utility of fluvoxamine in a subset of TM patients.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week open-label trial involving 21 participants diagnosed with TM.
- Participants received fluvoxamine treatment.
- Data collected on hair pulling measures, distress, control, resistance, anxiety, and depression.
Main Results:
- Significant improvement in distress, duration, control, and resistance was observed in end-state analyses of the entire group.
- Significant decreases in coexistent anxiety were noted for both completers and the entire group.
- Depressive symptoms improved in participants who completed the treatment.
Conclusions:
- The uncontrolled nature of the study prevents definitive conclusions on fluvoxamine's effectiveness for TM.
- End-state analyses suggest fluvoxamine may be beneficial for a subset of patients with trichotillomania.
- Further controlled studies are warranted to confirm these findings.