A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis of Clinical Perspective in Trichotillomania

Abstract

Trichobezoar is a mass of hairs found trapped in the gastrointestinal system. They are common in children under
the age of 2 and in children and adults living in poverty. Complications such as gastric ulceration, bleeding and
perforation and intestinal obstruction may occur. There is paucity of reports on trichobezoars in Psychiatric
literature however it is well described in terms of surgical diagnosis and procedure. Here, we present a case of
trichotillomania and pica leading to intestinal obstruction to stress the importance of considering trichobezoars
as one of the important differentials in cases of patients presenting with abdominal pain in face of suggestive
symptoms, even if signs of trichotillomania are not present.