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Better Homes and Gardens

Health update.
(Medical news)

Better Homes and Gardens. June 1992 v70 n6 p64(4).

Abstract:

An update on health news includes tips for improving nutrition and dealing with stroke symptoms. Research information on sleep disorders, vaccines and nail biting is reported.

Full Text: COPYRIGHT 1992 Meredith Corporation

HELP FOR NAIL BITERS

Drug aids in serious cases

For most of us, nail biting is little more than a nervous habit. For others, though, the practice is constant and compulsive. In some instances, the practice can lead to serious infections as well as mental distress.

A new study offers a ray of hope for these people. Sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health, the research suggests that an antidepression drug, clomipramine, can help at least some of these worst cases.

Henrietta L. Leonard, M.D., and her coworkers used two drugs in the study. Some of the 25 test subjects received desipramine, while others got the clomipramine. Over half of the 14 subjects who stayed in the study for the full 10 weeks showed improvement on clomipramine. Two stopped biting altogether, and another seven reported at least a 30 percent decline in biting incidents. The researchers found no improvement in the group using desipramine.

If your nail biting is wrecking your life, get help from a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Even if drug therapy isn't right for you, other treatments can help