What Causes Trichotillomania?

Genetics And Family History

Trichotillomania is one of the many mental disorders affected by genetics and family history. Many studies have found trichotillomania tends to run in families, meaning individuals with parents or siblings with trichotillomania are more likely to develop it themselves. Most of those studies found a strong genetic link as the cause of trichotillomania. A genetic mutation in a specific gene has actually been to strongly increase an individual's risk for the disorder. Of course, having the gene is not enough for a person to have trichotillomania because genes and behavior interact in complicated ways. A person with the mutation may never develop trichotillomania despite having a stronger disposition. Additionally, the gene alone is insufficient as a cause because individuals without the gene can still develop trichotillomania.

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