Tricotilomania: Dificuldades diagnósticas e relato de dois casos

Abstract

Objective: To report two cases of trichotillomania, an underdiagnosed psychiatric disorder that may be associated with important social and clinical problems. The clinical features will be highlighted considering the implications of early diagnosis on patients' outcome. Case description: An adolescent with isolated trichotillomania and another girl whose symptoms were associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder are described. Although both patients presented a favorable outcome with treatment, there was a significant delay in establishing the diagnosis and in referring them to a mental health service, leading to negative impact in educational and social domains. Comments: Trichotillomania differs from the benign and transitory hair pulling habits observed in the first years of life, and it is still underdiagnosed. The embarrassment related the patients' symptoms and the lack of knowledge of health professionals contribute to this situation. The condition may be severe, particularly if associated with trichophagia. Health care professionals need to identify the disorder early and refer these children to specialized treatment before clinical complications and psychosocial problems occur.