What Causes Trichotillomania?

Imbalance In Brain Chemicals

There is some evidence trichotillomania may be caused, in part, by an imbalance in brain chemicals. Neurons interact with each other and other cells through the use of electrochemical signals, so an imbalance of the chemicals used to communicate can cause many problems. Some scientists theorize individuals with trichotillomania have too little serotonin, which is largely responsible for making have a pleasant feeling. This theory stems from the fact patients with trichotillomania tend to respond well to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, but when the use of the drug stops, the individual typically will have a strong relapse in symptoms. Hormonal imbalance may also influence this disorder because it commonly presents itself in times when hormone levels are changing.

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Seeking Relief from Severe Emotional Distress

Trichotillomania episodes sometimes occur as a coping mechanism when someone is seeking relief from severe emotional distress. For some individuals, rituals associated with trichotillomania can be a way of calming down or decompressing. For others, the hair pulling is a form of self-harm. About fourteen percent of men and twenty percent of women have engaged in some form of self-harm at some point in their lives. The reasoning behind the relief is a neurological connection between physical and emotional pain. When the physical pain peaks and then ebbs, the emotional pain also ebbs with it. In addition, the brain releases healing chemicals when it detects a physical injury. However, there are ways to soothe this urge without injuring the body through trichotillomania episodes or other self-harm methods. Individuals trying to stop trich episodes related to self-harm may benefit from holding ice cubes until the urge subsides. Extreme cold activates the same portion of the brain that injury does.

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