title: Clinical profile of trichotillomania.
abstract: Twenty-four cases of trichotillomania attending psychiatry outpatient department and child guidance clinic at Kalawati Saran Children's and Smt Sucheta Kriplani Hospitals over a period of 2 years from July, 1985 to November 1987 were studied. Females (66.7%) outnumbered the males (33.3%). Majority of cases belonged to age group 6-10 years (54.2%) and nuclear family (68.5%). Nail-biting (25.0%) was the commonest associated neurotic trait, followed by enuresis (20.9%), temper-tantrum (12.5%), etc. A past history of hysterical fits and neurotic depression was found in 3 cases (12.5%) and 2 cases (8.3%) respectively. Family history of neurosis was seen in mothers and fathers of 20.9% and 12.5% cases respectively. Trichobezoars and trichophytobezoars were found in 6 cases (25.0%) and 3 cases (12.5%) respectively. Majority of patients of trichobezoars presented with vague complaints like heaviness in the stomach (55.6%), inability to gain weight (44.4%), etc, while 22.2% cases were asymptomatic and detected only on screening.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Bhatia
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Singhal
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rastogi
authors.forename: N K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Dhar
authors.forename: V R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Nigam
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Taneja
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001630:Bezoars / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005386:Fingersucking / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009259:Nail Biting / Q000523:psychology; D012923:Social Class; D014256:Trichotillomania / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*