Untreated trichotillomania and trichophagia: surgical emergency in a teenage girl.
Trichophagia secondary to trichotillomania can be a potentially life-threatening condition if left untreated. This report documents the unique case of a 16-year-old girl whose untreated trichotillomania led to a trichobezoar requiring surgical intervention and follow-up psychiatric treatment. Challenges in the identification and treatment of the disorder and its complications are discussed as well as the importance of early and accurate diagnosis.
Department of Psychiatry, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Karriem
K
Salaam
Joel
J
Carr
Harsh
H
Grewal
Ellen
E
Sholevar
David
D
Baron
D000293:Adolescent; D001630:Bezoars / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D014256:Trichotillomania / Q000150:complications*