Double-Blind Lamictal (Lamotrigine) in Neurotic Excoriation

The study will consist of 12 weeks of double-blind treatment with Lamictal (lamotrigine) compared to placebo (1:1) in 30 subjects with neurotic excoriation.

Inclusion criteria

• men and women age 18-65;
• current diagnosis of neurotic excoriation.

Exclusion criteria

• unstable medical illness or clinically significant abnormalities on prestudy laboratory tests or physical examination;
• history of seizures;
• myocardial infarction within 6 months;
• current pregnancy or lactation, or inadequate contraception in women of childbearing potential;
• a need for medication other than Lamictal with possible psychotropic effects or unfavorable interactions with Lamictal;
• clinically significant suicidality;
• lifetime history of DSM-IV bipolar disorder type I, dementia, or schizophrenia or any other DSM-IV psychotic disorder;
• current or recent (past 3 months) DSM-IV substance abuse or dependence;
• illegal substance use within 2 weeks of study initiation;
• initiation of psychotherapy or behavior therapy from a mental health professional within 3 months prior to study baseline;
• previous treatment with Lamictal (lamotrigine);
• treatment with investigational medication or depot neuroleptics within 3 months, with fluoxetine within 6 weeks, or with other psychotropics within 2 weeks prior to study baseline;
• current treatment with an anti-epileptic medication.