Much of what we do is based on the fact that many obsessive compulsive disorders are caused or exacerbated by imbalances in neurotransmitter levels; that is also why the only medications that have shown any substantial effect with these conditions work with or mimic neurotransmitters. However, amino acid therapy can go a step beyond this as it can address the imbalances directly by providing the body the amino acids and cofactors it needs to produce them on their own. We are still gathering clinical data; thus far, it is extremely encouraging, as we have seen dramatic changes in the urge to pull within days or weeks on the appropriate amino acid therapy. Used in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy, this approach shows tremendous clinical promise.

I would also refer you to two sites with more details on the amino acids:

http://www.neuroassist.com/trichotillomania.htm, and http://www.neuroassist.com/neurotransmitter.htm

You can also find information on how to stop pulling hair out at our website.

And by the way, Dr. Chad Oler leads our initiatives, not Dr. Chad “Older” as I erroneously typed in an earlier comment.

Greg – I’m glad to hear you are interested in helping the TTM population. As a clinical psychologist who only practices and endorses only empirically-based treatments, I cannot support any naturopathic treatment at this time, as there is currently no scientific evidence that any are effective. I’m not sure what you mean by “proving to be a highly effective treatment;” there have been no studies indicating that any naturopathic treatment is effective. In fact, a 2009, highly publicized, 10-year longitudinal study funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (formerly OAM) reported, “Ten years ago the government set out to test herbal and other alternative health remedies to find the ones that work. After spending $2.5 billion, the disappointing answer seems to be that almost none of them do.” [http://bit.ly/Xx5mC]. That being said, I will be interested to see the outcome research on n-acetylcysteine, which has shown some promise in preliminary studies; however, I have yet to see a patient myself who has reported any success with it. I saw the same hype in the “trich world” in 1999 regarding inositol, which was later proven ineffective. For now, the only treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of TTM is behavior therapy. So, that’s what I practice. I always keep abreast of the latest research though.

Thanks so much for your post. I have actaully seen Pass the Baton. I admire your efforts in helping to destigmatize trichotillomania. Thank you for your work. I have been treating TTM for 11 years now and I am an active member of TLC. Although I will not be in Texas this year, I will be at the annual retreat in Mayland. Please feel free to check out my website at http://www.thecenterforemotionalhealth.com where a good portion is dedicated to TTM. Happy to help you in your efforts however I can. Please feel free to contact me if there is anything I can do.