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Trichotillomania Research Paper

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Trichotillomania is a mental illness that causes one to pull out their hair, especially hair from the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. This can often cause skin problems, such as infection, as well as problems with the regrowth of hair. This can cause the hair to be positioned in random blotches, as well as the thinning of hair. Individuals with this mental illness often try and stop pulling out their hair, but it is usually very difficult for them to stop. The hair pulling is typically done in private because of shame or embarrassment. It has been found that some individuals do this as a way to relieve stress because of the pleasant feeling that afterwards ensues (caused by the release of endorphins). Oftentimes the individuals will have a …show more content…
Trichotillomania is currently thought to be influenced by environment and genetics. Genetics can affect the balance of chemicals in your brain, called neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which is a chemical in the brain that makes you feel good. It has also been thought to be caused by a change in hormones, especially since it occurs around the ages of nine to thirteen years old. Trichotillomania affects children of both genders equally. However, in adults, women are more likely to develop this mental illness. One source points out that this gender imbalance may be biased based on the number of people who actually go in for help and admit to showing the symptoms. Also seen as a form of self harm, trichotillomania may stem from a traumatic experience, and is a way to relieve stress because of the endorphins released. Relating back to the possible genetic disposition some may have, the appearance of the illness may need a trigger, such as a traumatic experience, abuse, family conflict, or a death of a loved one. Being linked to OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), it may also simply be a compulsive behavior that falls under OCD

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