Abstract

FALCAO, Mariana et al. Baby trich: the role of psychosocial stressors in pediatric trichotillomania. Nascer e Crescer [online]. 2023, vol.32, n.1, pp.34-37.  Epub Mar 31, 2023. ISSN 0872-0754.  https://doi.org/10.25753/birthgrowthmj.v32.i1.25718.

Pediatric trichotillomania is characterized by the persistent pulling of one’s own hair, resulting in areas of hair loss and affecting the child and family’s daily functioning. Studies investigating the etiology, evolution, and treatment of pediatric trichotillomania are scarce. Scientific data suggests that pediatric trichotillomania can persist into adulthood and indicate the role of external stressors in its etiology. This article describes five clinical cases of children aged between 21 months and four years diagnosed with pediatric trichotillomania, with several external stressors as possible etiology. Psychoeducation and caregiver-child psychotherapy or child-centered play therapy were proposed as treatments. The authors highlight the importance of external stressors in the etiology of pediatric trichotillomania and suggest the beneficial effect of psychoeducation and psychotherapy in its course. Further research is critical to improve the screening and treatment of pediatric trichotillomania.

Keywords : pediatric; psychoeducation; psychosocial stressor; psychotherapy; trichotillomania.

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