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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffPossible causes of trichotillomania are being researched, but like most disorders, it probably results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors:
- Genes. Mutations in a gene called SLITRK1 have been linked to trichotillomania as well as to Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes a person to make unusual movements and sounds.
- Neurochemical problems. Some studies suggest that abnormalities in the natural brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine may play a role in trichotillomania.
References
- Woods DW, et al. Trichotillomania: An ACT-enhanced Behavior Therapy Approach Therapist Guide. New York, N.Y.: Oxford University Press; 2008.
- Fact sheet: Trichotillomania. Mental Health America. http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectid=C7DF9926-1372-4D20-C88C1DDD5A71D709. Accessed Dec. 1, 2008.
- About trichotillomania. Trichotillomania Learning Center. http://www.trich.org/about_trich. Accessed Dec. 1, 2008.
- Trichotillomania in childhood: Case series and review. Pediatrics. 2004;113:3494.
- Trichotillomania. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Dec. 1, 2008.
- Alternative treatments. Trichotillomania Learning Center. http://www.trich.org/treatment_resources/Alternative.asp. Accessed Dec. 1, 2008.
- Chamberlain SR, et al. Lifting the veil on trichotillomania. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2007;164:568.
- Walsh KH, et al. Trichotillomania. Presentation, etiology, diagnosis and therapy. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2001;2:327.
- Zuchner S et al. SLITRK1 mutations in Tricholtillomania. Molecular Psychiatry. 2006;11:888. http://www.nature.com/mp/journal/v11/n10/full/4001865a.html. Accessed Dec. 29, 2008.
- Woods DW et al. Understanding and Treating Trichotillomania: What We Know and What We Don't Know. Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2006;29:487. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/article/body/114970872-3/jorg=journal&source=MI&sp=16170821&sid=786898514/N/532552/1.html?issn=0193-953X. Accessed Dec. 29, 2008.
