Trichotillomania: What Causes it?
By Ms Ven A Karter
No one is sure what causes trichotillomania but there are two main theories. Read on to find out more.
Trichotillomania causes its victim to pull the hair from the head, eyebrows, eyelashes, and anywhere else on the body where hair lives. People who are on the outside looking in may think that someone who is pulling the hair out is crazy or imbalanced. Others would say that hair pulling is a silly habit that someone can and should just stop. However, trichotillomaniacs know that it's not that easy to resist doing this behavior. If the trichotillomaniac could "just not do it", surely he or she would quit before pulling to the point of having bald spots. Sometimes the trichotillomaniac isn't even aware of the pulling. It just becomes an automatic habit.
Some trichotillomaniacs have to hide the damage by wearing hats or scarves. The stress of the secret ever being discovered could cause someone to pull the hair even more. So what causes people to do this?Some trichotillomaniacs have to hide the damage by wearing hats or scarves. The stress of the secret ever being discovered could cause someone to pull the hair even more. So what causes people to do this?
Besides environmental factors, medical experts have decided that signs point to this disorder being genetically linked or the result of a chemical imbalance. Trichotillomania could be caused by an aberration in a particular gene--SLTRK1. Abnormalities in this gene are also linked to Tourette's Syndrome, which is another compulsive condition.
The other theory is that trichotillomania may be associated with neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Because antidepressants affect these neurotransmitters (serotonin and dopamine), they are often prescribed to be used along with cognitive behavioral therapy. Due to possible side-effects and the uncertainty of effectiveness, medicine is not normally prescribed as a sole treatment.
Trichotillomania is a self-mutilating disorder. Perhaps by uncovering its causes, a cure will be imminent. Follow the link for more information on <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/trichotillomaniacauses">Causes of Trichotillomania</a>
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Submitted by Ms Ven A Karter 2009-10-18 03:10:55
Category: Medicines and Remedies
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