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Hair-Pulling Disorder Rooted in Genetics

Duke University researchers have found evidence that suggests trichotillomania, a disorder causing people to compulsively pull their hair, may be based in a genetic mutation.

In a study of 44 families in which one or more members suffered from the disorder, two mutations in SLITKR1, a gene already associated with Tourette's Syndrome, were connected with five percent of trichotillomania cases, a large enough association to suggest a biological link.

Researchers hope the findings will not only help to find a cure for the disease, but also to take the burden off the shoulders of sufferers blaming themselves for the behavior.

Read more: Compulsive Hair Pulling? Not Your Fault

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This page contains a single entry from Psychology Briefs, the FindCounseling.com Blog, posted on September 28, 2006 11:22 AM.

The previous post was Attraction Based on 'Ease' of Mental Processing.

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