Trichotillomania Comorbid with Schizophrenia

Background and Objective: Trichotillomania as a comorbid disorder with schizophrenia has been described rarely. Available data suggests that in some subjects the hair pulling behaviour is secondary to psychotic symptoms. We aim to present a case of trichotillomania in a young adult with schizophrenia to add to the scarce literature available on this comorbidity. Case Description: The hair pulling behaviour in the index case was due to a strong urge, which was relieved by the behaviour and was not secondary to any psychotic symptoms. The course of trichotillomania was independent of the course of psychotic symptoms in the index case, i.e. the partial improvement in psychotic symptoms was not accompanied by improvement in hair pulling behaviour, whereas the latter responded partially to administration of fluoxetine in addition to an antipsychotic agent. Conclusion: The index case suggests a true comorbidity between schizophrenia and trichotillomania (German J Psychiatry 2010; 13 (3): 154–156).