N-Acetylcysteine in psychodermatological disorders

Dermatol Ther. 2019 Sep;32(5):e13073. doi: 10.1111/dth.13073. Epub 2019 Sep 4.

Abstract

Treatment of psychodermatological conditions, particularly body-focused repetitive behavior disorders, is often unsatisfactory. Various psychopharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments have been used to ameliorate the symptoms of these disorders. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a newer modality in the treatment of these disorders. This short review focuses on pharmacology, mode of action, and use of NAC in common body-focused repetitive disorders such as trichotillomania, skin-picking disorders, and onychotillomania (nail biting). Current research and literature review have been evaluated and will be discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcysteine / therapeutic use*
  • Dermatology / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nail Biting / psychology
  • Nail Biting / therapy
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Prognosis
  • Projective Techniques
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Skin Diseases
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trichotillomania / drug therapy*
  • Trichotillomania / psychology

Substances

  • Acetylcysteine