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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffThe cause of trichotillomania is unclear. But like many complex disorders, trichotillomania probably results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Also, abnormalities in the natural brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine may play a role in trichotillomania.
References
- Duke DC, et al. Trichotillomania: A current review. Clinical Psychology Review. 2010;30:181.
- 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 Oct. 12, 2010.
- Stein DJ, et al. Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder), skin picking disorder, and stereotypic movement disorder: Toward DSM-V. Depression and Anxiety. 2010;27:611.
- Chamberlain SR, et al. Trichotillomania: Neurobiology and treatment. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. 2009;33:831.
- Chamberlain SR, et al. Lifting the veil on trichotillomania. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2007;164:568.
- Tay YK, et al. Trichotillomania in childhood: Case series and review. Pediatrics. 2004;113:e494.
- Moritz S, et al. Movement decoupling: A self-help intervention for the treatment of trichotillomania. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry. In press. Accessed Oct. 12, 2010.
- Shenefelt PD. Biofeedback, cognitive-behavioral methods, and hypnosis in dermatology: Is it all in your mind? Dermatologic Therapy. 2003;16:114.
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