Amino Acids May Curb Urge to Pull Hair

In the article, Amino Acids May Curb Urge to Pull Hair I found that there is actually a disease for people who pull out their hair, its called Trichotillomania. I found this a little weird, I thought pulling your hair out was a choice, but maybe not. According to the article, Trichotillomania may have a cure, Amino Acids. Some scientists believe that amino acids may help reduce the urge to pull hair out. Currently, amino acid suppliments can cost anywhere from $20-$25 a month. The suppliment comes in a nasal spray form. There isn't a proven cure, but studies have been conducted that suggest that Amino Acids may be a cure for Trichotillomania.

"A team of researchers with the University of Minnesota, lead by Dr. Jon Grant,
a psychiatrist with the University, recently released their study illustrating
the positive effects of amino acids against compulsive hair pulling, in the July
2009 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry. According to Dr. Grant,
compulsive hair pulling begins in adolescence with many suffers not realizing
their problem or are too ashamed to seek assistance, making it difficult to
determine exactly how many suffer from the condition. According to the study,
around two percent of Americans are affected and it is seen most often in women.
Trichotillomania has also been linked to anxiety disorders and social phobias."

So basically, amino acids may or may not be able to help with Trichotillomania. Also they may be able to help with people who are bipolar, have problems with gambling, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. There is however no FDA- approved treatment.

"A study recently conducted displayed the benefits that amino
acids can have on the disorder, Trichotillomania. Researchers conducted a study
that lasted for 12 weeks, involved 45 women and five men ranging in age from
18-65, who regularly pull their hair. The trial was a double-blind controlled
trial, with half of the group receiving 1200 mg of N-Acetylcysteine daily for
six weeks, and then an increased dosage of 2,400 mg daily for the remaining 6
weeks, the other half of the participants were given a placebo treatment for the
full 12 weeks. At the end of the 12-week trial, 56 percent of the group
receiving the amino acids reported feeling much better and 16 percent of the
placebo group reported less tendencies to pull their hair. Amino acids have
previously proven to have positive results in treating obsessive-compulsive
disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and it is sold in a nasal spray
formula used to treat mucus buildup and other uses. Eventually we may see a
formula specific to obsessive-compulsive disorders, but more testing is needed."

For all you hair pullers out there, I would be buying some amino acid nasal spray before I go bald.