Psychiatric Comorbidities in Pediatric Trichotillomania: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Dermatology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Trichotillomania (TTM) is associated with increased psychiatric comorbidities.
• Research on pediatric TTM and its associated risks is limited.
• This study examines psychiatric comorbidity risks in pediatric TTM patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the risk of developing psychiatric comorbidities in pediatric patients diagnosed with TTM.
• To compare the incidence of various psychiatric disorders in TTM patients versus a control group.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study utilizing US-based TriNetX data from May 2013 to January 2024.
• Included pediatric patients (<18 years) with TTM (ICD-10 F63.3) and matched controls (ICD-10 Z00.129).
• Propensity score matching created cohorts of 16,590 patients each to analyze subsequent psychiatric diagnoses.

Main Results:

• Pediatric TTM patients showed significantly higher risks for ADHD, conduct disorders, tic disorders, OCD, anxiety disorders, dissociative/stress-related/somatoform disorders, and mood disorders.
• The odds ratios for these conditions ranged from 2.002 (ADHD) to 11.047 (OCD).
• A notably higher risk for psychiatric diagnosis was observed within 1 year post-index event in TTM patients.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric TTM patients exhibit elevated risks for psychiatric comorbidities.
• Timely intervention and comprehensive management strategies are essential for this population.
• Dermatologists play a role in facilitating access to necessary behavioral and pharmacological care.