Psychiatric Comorbidities in Pediatric Trichotillomania: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Trichotillomania (TTM) significantly increases the risk of psychiatric comorbidities. Sparse research in pediatric populations necessitates larger studies to assess these risks. This study investigates the risk of developing psychiatric comorbidities in pediatric TTM patients.

This case-control study assessed pediatric patients (< 18 years old) with TTM diagnosed between May 18, 2013, and January 1, 2024, using US-based data from the TriNetX global research network. TTM patients (ICD-10 diagnostic category F63.3) aged 18 years or younger at diagnosis and control patients (ICD-10 code Z00.129) matched for age, sex, race, and ethnicity were assessed. Propensity score matching yielded 16,590 patients in each cohort. The analysis assessed subsequent diagnoses of ADHD, conduct disorders, tic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, dissociative, stress-related, and somatoform disorders, mood disorders, and suicide attempts compared to controls.

TTM patients under 18 years exhibited significantly greater risks of subsequent diagnoses for ADHD (OR: 2.002; CI 1.841-2.178; p < 0.001), conduct disorders (OR: 3.668; 3.2-3.668; p < 0.0001), tic disorders (OR: 2.247; 1.826-2.765; p < 0.0001), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OR: 11.047; 8.822-13.832; p < 0.0001), anxiety disorders (OR: 3.583; 3.387-3.7; p < 0.0001), dissociative, stress-related, and somatoform disorders (OR: 6.179; 3.935-9.701; p < 0.0001), mood disorders (OR: 2.476; 2.288-2.68; p < 0.0001), and suicide attempts (OR: 1.81; 1.121-2.924; p = 0.0139) compared to controls. TTM patients had the greatest risk of psychiatric diagnosis 1 year postindex event.

Pediatric TTM patients have higher psychiatric comorbidity risks, necessitating timely intervention and comprehensive management. Dermatologists can facilitate access to behavioral and pharmacological care, enhancing patient outcomes.