Fluoxetine induced trichotillomania in a 7-year- old boy: a case report

Trichotillomania (TTM) is a mental disorder characterized by recurrent hair pulling that result in significant hair loss. Traditionally, serotonin has been the principal neurotransmitter implicated in TTM, however, recent literature strongly supports the role of dopamine in the pathophysiology of TTM. Here we describe 7 year old boy who had fluoxetine-induced trichotillomania. According to the temporal association in time between fluoxetine treatment, the symptoms of trichotillomania and the resolution of symptoms in the absence of fluoxetine, hair pulling was likely fluoxetine induced. It is implicated that serotonin reuptake inhibitors may have facilitative effects on dopamine. We suggest that TTM may be the result of dopamine increase due to fluoxetine treatment. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of antidepressant-induced trichotillomania. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2016; 17(0.300): 45-47]