Which are the causes of Trichotillomania?

See some of the causes of Trichotillomania according to people who have experience in Trichotillomania

Causes of Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a complex disorder characterized by the recurrent urge to pull out one's hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss. While the exact causes of trichotillomania are not fully understood, several factors are believed to contribute to the development of this condition.

1. Biological Factors

Genetics: Research suggests that trichotillomania may have a genetic component. Individuals with a family history of the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.

Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, have been associated with trichotillomania. These chemicals play a role in regulating mood, impulse control, and reward mechanisms.

2. Psychological Factors

Stress and Anxiety: Trichotillomania often coexists with other mental health conditions, particularly anxiety disorders. Stressful life events, trauma, or chronic anxiety can trigger or exacerbate hair-pulling behaviors.

Emotional Regulation: Some individuals with trichotillomania use hair pulling as a coping mechanism to relieve tension, anxiety, or boredom. It may provide a temporary sense of control or comfort.

Perfectionism and Body Image: Trichotillomania can be associated with perfectionism and body dysmorphic disorder. The act of pulling out hair may be driven by a desire for symmetry or a perceived flaw in appearance.

3. Behavioral Factors

Learned Behavior: Trichotillomania can develop through conditioning, where individuals associate hair pulling with relief or pleasure. This learned behavior becomes reinforced over time, making it difficult to stop.

Habitual Behaviors: Hair pulling can become a habitual behavior, similar to nail-biting or skin-picking. It may occur automatically, without conscious awareness, as a result of boredom or inactivity.

4. Environmental Factors

Family Dynamics: Growing up in a family where hair pulling is present or not discouraged may increase the likelihood of developing trichotillomania. Family stress, conflict, or neglect can also contribute to its onset.

Social Influence: Peer pressure or social norms that focus on appearance can contribute to the development of trichotillomania, especially during adolescence when fitting in and conforming to societal standards are important.

It is important to note that trichotillomania is a complex disorder influenced by a combination of factors. Each individual's experience may vary, and a comprehensive understanding of the causes is still evolving. If you or someone you know is struggling with trichotillomania, seeking professional help from a mental health provider is recommended.

Diseasemaps

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Katlyn 1400

•Stress
•some people say it's hereditary
•past experiences
•trama

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Lucyeleanor2601 2620

Some people link trich to anxiety, stress or dealing with past trauma. While this is true for some, it is not for all. Others have no idea what started it - I have random memories of being 2 or 3 and pulling hair out to line up along a pattern on the carpet.
For some, there could be a trigger early in life that starts them pulling their hair out. I used to have thick, long hair. When at a hairdresser at age 8ish, I was told I was so lucky my hair was so thick, because I had a mole on my head. This made me curious, so I started pulling in order to find it. This may well have got the ball rolling for me. (End note - years later, when the trich forced me to shave my head, no mole! Flipping hairdresser!!)
I've heard of others starting when told that blowing an eyelash was magic, or things to that extent.
Often trich starts in childhood, so having triggers might make sense. But there must be an underlying predisposition to pull already there. My guess would be genetics, since some have more than one case of trich in their families.

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Shirley 2150

This disorder is still shrouded in mystery and the causes are unknown. Many link it to Obsessive Compulsion, while others link it to Anxiety or even Addiction.

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Ellen 2161

My condition began after the dead of close family members, but each person is different and there does not seem to be one specific cause of trich.

Posted Aug 12, 2017 by Catswithtatts 1650

Stress, anxiety, depression, and boredom. Could be chemicals, foods, or other outside things but not common to everyone with trich. People even pull for different reasons but anxiety and stress are accepted as reasons people pull.

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Cynthia 1502

unknown. There is speculation that it is a gene but no one knows for sure. Lots of research is happening now. Trichotillomania(TTM)Awareness and other Facebook groups were created to help encourage others suffering the same.

Posted Oct 19, 2017 by Felicia@Face2FaceSpa 2000

We don't actually know, but we mostly think it's an anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder. It can be triggered by trauma, stress, or any number of things.

Posted Oct 20, 2017 by Sari 2050

They are not sure yet. My guess is hormonal issues, as it is very common for trich to start in the puberty years. I also think that certain people with trich have predisposition to anxiety and depression and perfectionism. I there is also a genetic component, however that link is still being further studied. Food, vaccines, etc do not cause trich. There have been some speculation that trich might originate in the amygdala part of the brain, where your fight or flight response resides. There have been injuries to people in these areas that then bring on trich symptoms. This research is inconclusive and more is needed.

Posted Oct 20, 2017 by bennersk 2190

A lot of those affected suffered from early childhood trauma of some sort. For some it is a control issue, where as others it’s an obsessive issue. There is no known cause, only certain things that can lead to it.

Posted Dec 17, 2017 by Hannah 1000

Stress, anxiety, depression and it's genetic.

Posted Jan 27, 2018 by Vee 2770