Trichotillomania (TTM)

Trichotillomania (TTM) is a psychological/behavioral disorder characterized by irresistible urge to pull out one's hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss, usually from the scalp and/or eyebrows. Hair pulling is preceded by mounting tension followed by subsequent relief or pleasure. Clinically, TTM has been classified as an impulse-control disorder under the obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spectrum. Most often, TTM symptoms typically initiate in early adolescence while OCD initiates in late adolescence. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been reported to control some but not all OCD forms, including TTM.

Family studies report higher than expected rates of TTM among relatives of affected individuals. Twin studies have also suggested involvement of genetic factors in the etiology of TTM. Members of Hussman Institute for Human Genomics (HIHG) are studying the rare genetic variants involved in the etiology of TTM. In a recent study, a team led by Dr. Stephan Zuchner at HIHG, resequenced postsynaptic synapse-associated protein 3 (SAPAP3) in TTM and OCD cases compared to OCD negative control subjects. The findings of this study supported a role for SAPAP3 in TTM and OCD. In an earlier collaborative study HIHG researchers also confirmed that rare variation in the slit and trk like1 gene (SLITRK1) resulted in the disorders of OCD spectrum, including TTM.

We hope that the identification of different genes involved in TTM will help to reduce negative public perceptions of these and other OCD spectrum disorders of the affected individuals and lead to findings for better targeted therapies.