Which of the following physical symptoms must be routinely assessed in a patient with trichotillomania?
The answer is B. 5-20% of patients with trichotillomania engage in trichophagia, ingestion of the hair they pull. Trichophagia can result in trichobezoars which can result in intestinal obstruction, necessitating surgical intervention. Screening questions for trichobezoar include unexplained epigastric or abdominal pain, changes in stool color, unintentional weight loss, or symptoms of anemia. If a trichobezoar is suspected, a CT abdomen is diagnostic in 97% of cases.