Clinical characteristics and accompanying psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents with trichotillomania

Trichotillomania (TTM, hair pulling disorder) indicates that there is significant hair loss due to repetitive hair pulling behavior; it is a disorder characterized by significant distress and impairment in functionality in many areas including social and close relationships. Studies conducted with children and adolescents diagnosed with TTM in our country are limited. In our study, general clinical features and accompanying psychiatric comorbidities were evaluated in children and adolescents with TTM. It is aimed to contribute to the current literature with the obtained data. Forty-one children and adolescents aged 8-17 years, diagnosed with TTM and which were followed up with this diagnosis were included in the study. In the study, Sociodemographic Data Form, Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Interview Schedule for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL), Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale-Child Version, Revised Anxiety and Depression Scale-Parent Version was used. In our study, the female / male ratio was 1.5 / 1. It was found that 33 of 41 patients (80.5%) had hair pulling from the scalp. Eyebrows, eyelashes and arm were other areas where hair pulling was intense. Hair pulling occured in more than one area in 17 (41.5%) patients. At least one additional lifetime psychiatric diagnosis was present in 37 cases (90.2%) whereas at least one additional present psychiatric diagnosis present in 34 cases (82.9%). Anxiety Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Tic Disorders were the most common lifetime psychiatric comorbidities; as for present psychiatric comorbidities, ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Tic Disorders were found most frequently. High rate of psychiatric comorbidity was found in children and adolescents diagnosed with TTM in our study. Seeing symptoms as part of the disorder in the diagnosis of TTM; a holistic approach to TTM treatment is one of the most important points in the diagnosis and treatment of TTM.