
A psychosomatic condition called impulse control disorder, medically called trichotillomania, caused an 11 year old Indian girl to constantly pull her hair and eat it as well.
The condition is known to trigger uncontrollable urges in its victims, to tug at their own hair. Some of the victims even eat their hair.
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Explaining the condition, the laparoscopic surgeon Dr. RK Sinha, said, "In 99 percent of the cases, it is generally seen among females from 10 to 20 years of age and is rarely noticed among boys. It can happen when either the child is not brought up properly or suffers from birth-related problems."
Following complaints of pain and vomiting, the girl was examined by the specialist. She had eaten so much hair that her stomach was filled with a huge ball of hair. A 90 minute surgery followed, to remove a foot-long hairball lodged in the girl's stomach.
Doctors said she would need follow-up treatment and psychiatric help.
Source: Medindia
SAV/L
Doctors said she would need follow-up treatment and psychiatric help.
Source: Medindia
SAV/L
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