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Feel Good Factor missing in Trichsters
Posted on Wednesday, November 19 @ 11:07:37 GMT by Neomie |
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People with OCD and trichotillomania genetically release less serotonin (known as the happy hormone).
Japanese and US geneticists have analyzed the DNA of 170 people, including 30 patients with OCD, 30 with an eating disorder such as anorexia, and 30 with S.A.D., or winter depression.
The results showed a single mutation in the hSERT gene of people with OCD, not present in the control individuals.
SERT is a protein regulating the storage of serotonin, known as the HAPPY HORMONE
As hair roots contain protein, trichsters may, in fact, be self-medicating when eating hair roots.
Where the OCD or trichotillomania is particularly resistant to treatment, the hSERT gene is often present in more family members, resulting in a double dose of the gene.
Anti-depressants target the neurotransmitter serotonin, whereas the mutated hSERT gene inhibits the storage of serotonin.
While anti-depressants (SSRIs, or Serotonin Reuptake medication) occasionally work for a matter of weeks to help control impulses or pulling, the genetic problem concerns the long-term regulation of serotonin, and not it's release, so medication is unsuccessful against the urges in the long term.
The hSert gene is believed to affect impulse control in general, and this mutation may be the cause of other disorders including eating disorders, alcohol abuse and social phobia.
While the gene is present, of course, from birth, it is often believed to lie dormant in many until triggered by a trauma or hormonal changes.
As yet, this research has not revealed any new treatment and therefore behavioral therapy such as Trichnotherapy
is still the only substantially successful method of treating trichotillomania.
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