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

This case report details a rare occurrence of trichotillomania and trichophagia in an 11-year-old male, resulting in a trichobezoar that necessitated surgical removal. Trichotillomania is characterized by compulsive hair-pulling, and trichophagia involves ingesting hair, with their combination leading to trichobezoars, which are uncommon in children and more prevalent in females. The patient, from a low socio-economic background, exhibited hair loss and abdominal pain, and a gastric trichobezoar was discovered. Surgery was successful, and the patient recovered without complications. The report highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach, including pediatricians, surgeons, and psychiatrists, for effective diagnosis and management, as well as ongoing psychiatric care to address underlying issues and prevent recurrence.