If you’ve been
curious about what’s happening on a genetic level with trichotillomania (TTM),
this article is for you. We know dealing with TTM can feel isolating and
overwhelming, but we want you to know you’re not alone. Understanding how
genetics may play a role is one way to take control of your journey to healing.
What Is the SLITRK1
Gene and Why Is It Important?
This study focuses
on the SLITRK1 gene, which is part of a family of genes known to play a role in
how our neurons (the cells in our brain and nervous system) grow and function.
In people without conditions like TTM or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),
this gene helps stimulate neurite outgrowth, which is a fancy way of saying it
helps neurons extend and form connections.
That’s super
important because healthy brain connections are key to managing impulses and
behaviors.
But here’s the
thing: for people with certain conditions, including TTM, OCD, and even
Tourette’s syndrome, variations in the SLITRK1 gene don’t always work the way
they should. In fact, the study found that people with specific changes (or
“mutations”) in this gene show differences in how their brain cells grow and
connect.
What the Study
Found: How Is SLITRK1 Different in People with TTM?
In this study,
researchers looked at a group of people with OCD and compared them to a control
group (people without any OCD-spectrum disorders). They identified three key
mutations in the SLITRK1 gene. One of the most interesting was a variant called
N400I. This specific change was found in people with OCD but not in the control
group, suggesting that it may contribute to the development of OCD or similar
behaviors like TTM (Ozomaro et al., 2013).
The study also
showed that the N400I mutation caused the SLITRK1 gene to lose its ability to
help neurons grow. In people without this mutation, SLITRK1 stimulates the
growth of these connections, but the mutation seems to stop that process.
In simpler terms, if
SLITRK1 isn’t working properly, your brain might have trouble controlling
impulses, which could explain why people with this mutation feel an
overwhelming urge to pull their hair.
How Does This
Compare to Tourette’s Syndrome?
Tourette’s syndrome,
TTM, and OCD all belong to what researchers call the Obsessive-Compulsive (OC)
Spectrum. This means that while these conditions are different, they share some
similarities in their symptoms and underlying causes.
Earlier studies have
shown that SLITRK1 is also involved in Tourette’s syndrome. In fact, some of
the same mutations seen in people with TTM have been found in people with
Tourette’s. For example, both TTM and Tourette’s have been linked to issues
with how SLITRK1 influences brain cell growth (Ozomaro et al., 2013).
The main takeaway
here is that, although these conditions present differently—TTM often involves
hair-pulling, while Tourette’s is more about motor and vocal tics—there’s a
shared genetic component. This might help explain why some treatments for OCD
or Tourette’s can also help manage TTM.
So, What Does This
Mean for You?
If you’ve ever
wondered why you experience trichotillomania, it may be comforting to know that
part of the answer could lie in your genes. And while we can’t change our
genes, understanding them gives us more tools to help manage the condition.
Knowing that certain
genetic variations like SLITRK1 might contribute to TTM also means researchers
are getting closer to finding more targeted treatments.
However, it is important to understand that even if you have a gene difference that could increase your likelihood of developing chronic hair pulling, your genes alone are most likely not the sole cause of your condition. Studies also show that while your genes can make you more predisposed to developing TTM, a combination of environmental factors in your life also work to activate that gene, and to cause hair pulling flare ups.
Healing is Still
Possible
The fact that TTM
may have a genetic component doesn’t mean you’re destined to have it or stuck with it forever. It just
means that you can better understand why it happens and use that knowledge to
take control of your healing.
Behavioral
therapies, lifestyle changes, and connecting with supportive communities can
still make a big difference, even if genetics play a role.
At Healing from Hair
Pulling (HFHP), we understand the complexities of living with TTM. Our health
education programs are designed to empower women with the tools, knowledge, and
support they need to regain control. Many of us have been in your shoes, and we
believe healing is possible when you have the right information and support.
Ready to take the
next step? Our UnTrick Yourself™ program is a peer-led, evidence-based
educational journey designed to help you reduce hair-pulling and feel
empowered. Together, we’ll build personalized action plans that work for you,
so you can start healing today.
Join us at healingfromhairpulling.com and begin your journey to recovery.
Ozomaro,
U., Cai, G., Kajiwara, Y., Yoon, S., Makarov, V., Delorme, R., Betancur, C.,
Ruhrmann, S., Falkai, P., Grabe, H. J., Maier, W., Wagner, M., Lennertz, L.,
Moessner, R., Murphy, D. L., Buxbaum, J. D., Züchner, S., & Grice, D. E.
(2013). Characterization of SLITRK1 Variation in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
PLoS One, 8(8), e70376. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0070376 
