Data for this case report was collected from peer-reviewed literature and treatment encounters by the consultation-liaison psychiatry unit; subsequent to obtaining informed consent.
The personality characteristics, familial structure and domestic stress found in this case mirror the literature. We initiated behavioral interventions including habit reversal training and patient education in combination with pharmacologic therapy with clomipramine.
Left untreated, trichophagia can cause a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery. Recurrence of tichobezoars can be anticipated when the underlying emotional disorder is not addressed using multimodal management including psychiatric evaluation and treatment combined with surgical procedures.