A concerned mother with trich asked me this question in a recent visit; I’ve been asked it and similar questions many times before, so I thought I’d take the opportunity to discuss what is known in regards to genetics and trichotillomania.
Is it in your genes?
Studies on the influence of genetics on trichotillomania are few and far between. Although one study found that a certain genetic mutation is linked to trichotillomania, it is only estimated that about 5% of trich cases stem from this gene. However, our clinical experience reveals a much more compelling story.
A piece of a larger puzzle
We have ascertained that trichotillomania for many people (over 86% in our clinical experience) is based in improper neurotransmitter function. However, there are many other disorders associated with neurotransmitter imbalances, including depression, anxiety, addiction, compulsion, ADD/ADHD, obesity and migraines. How a neurotransmitter imbalance expresses itself in any given person may differ, but the underlying cause is an imbalance in neurotransmitter function.
Taken in this larger context then, we would expect that many people with trichotillomania should be able to trace one or more of the disorders associated with neurotransmitter imbalance through their family. This is exactly what we have found.
Looking at the cause
We have worked with hundreds of people with trichotillomania and we’ve helped the vast majority of them (over 86%) achieve a complete elimination of the urge to pull. We do this by addressing their unique underlying neurotransmitter imbalances.
Inevitably, when we speak with them and show them all the disorders associated with neurotransmitter imbalance, they can instantly point to many relatives that have suffered with one or more of those disorders.
Overcoming genetics
Genetics can certainly play a role in trichotillomania, but that doesn’t mean you need to be resigned to your inherited fate. The proper use of amino acid therapy can overcome genetic predispositions by giving the brain what it needs to re-establish optimal functioning.
Further research is needed to see if using amino acid therapy in this way can correct the genetic damage, but we know this – you can eliminate the urge to pull (and any other disorder associated with neurotransmitter imbalance) through the proper administration of amino acid therapy.
