N-Acetylcysteine in psychodermatological disorders.

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.