Risperidone addition in serotonin reuptake inhibitor-resistant trichotillomania: three cases

J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 1999;9(1):43-9. doi: 10.1089/cap.1999.9.43.

Abstract

Open-label addition of a low-dose typical (pimozide) neuroleptic was shown to be beneficial in some patients with serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI)-refractory trichotillomania (TTM). Risperidone's potentially more benign acute and long-term side effect profile makes it a candidate for investigation in the treatment of TTM. We report our experience with the systematic addition of open-label risperidone 0.5 to 3 mg/day in three patients with SRI-refractory TTM. All three patients had a robust decrease in hair pulling as measured by clinician-rated instruments. These results suggest that risperidone addition to ongoing treatment with SRIs may be an effective treatment strategy for patients with SRI-refractory TTM.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chronic Disease
  • Drug Resistance
  • Female
  • Fluoxetine / therapeutic use
  • Fluvoxamine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risperidone / therapeutic use*
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Serotonin Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Trichotillomania / drug therapy*
  • Trichotillomania / psychology

Substances

  • Serotonin Antagonists
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Fluoxetine
  • Risperidone
  • Fluvoxamine