A teenager in US consumes up to 5 soap bars a week. She just loves the taste of washing powder. However doctors are concerned about her health and have said that this toxic addiction could have claimed her life. Temptest Henderson, 19, is a nursing student in Florida. She has been diagnosed with a rare condition called 'Pica' that makes people want to eat items which are largely non-nutritious. This addiction began when the girl dipped her fingers in washing powder and enjoyed its sweet and salty taste. Although she realized that her habit was dangerous she could not give it up and she thought of seeking medical assistance only after 6months.Doctors are treating Tempestt with intensive Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy gives her replacement thoughts that will probably prevent her from compulsively reaching for soaps. According to psychologists, she is most likely to have started eating soap as a comfort coping mechanism when she was away from her family for her nursing studies. Since then the family has begun using liquid at home. Tempestt said, "It is an addiction, I can't stop, and I have sought the help of a doctor who specializes in addiction. The doctor told me I must empty my house of all washing detergent and soap, anything that triggers my addiction." She is recovering now and back home with her mother.
Source-Medindia
No comments:
Post a Comment