Trichotillomania, Trichophagia and Trichobezoar in a Male Paediatric Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Trichotillomania and tricophagia, characterized by compulsive hair-pulling and subsequent ingestion which results in a compact mass of hair called trichobezoar. It represents an uncommon psychiatric disorder, especially in young children.

CASE PRESENTATION: This case report describes a distinctive and rare occurrence of trichotillomania, tricophagia and trichobezoar in a 11-year-old male child. Concerns raised by the parents regarding noticeable hair loss, who initially presented to medical outdoor patient with complaints of abdominal pain on and off from the last one year. He had a history of pica and weight-loss. He was then diagnosed with a gastric trichobezoar for which he was operated upon and a giant trichobezoar was retrieved from his stomach. Post-operatively patient remained admitted in ward and was discharged home on fifth post-operative day and sent for psychiatry evaluation.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Trichotillomania and tricophagia often have roots in psychosocial stressors, anxiety, and depression. Children may engage in hair-pulling as a coping mechanism, especially in response to familial or environmental stressors. The literature emphasizes the importance of understanding the psychosocial context to tailor interventions effectively.

CONCLUSION: Trichotillomania and tricophagia is very rare in paediatric population and if presents a multidisciplinary team comprising of a paediatrition, paediatric surgeon and paediatric psychiatrist should be involved and if diagnosed with a gastric trichobezoar should be removed surgically in order to prevent complications.