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- $Unique_ID{BRK00900}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Can a Person Who is Not Sick Just Throw Up Because They Want To?}
- $Subject{vomiting bulimia Mental Emotional Conditions condition Digestive
- behavior behaviors distasteful situation reaction anxiety fear hostility
- contempt psychogenic vomit}
- $Volume{E-23, I-23}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Can a Person Who is Not Sick Just Throw Up Because They Want To?
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- QUESTION: Can a person who is not sick just throw up because they want to?
- Isn't vomiting a sign of some illness in the stomach? We are having a bit of
- trouble that can be helped by these answers.
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-
- ANSWER: I think there must be more going on than the scant information
- contained in your letter. And while my information may be helpful, I truly
- doubt that it is enough to solve your problems. The answer is a clear "Yes",
- there are some people who can vomit at will. While vomiting is present in
- many diseases, many of the gastrointestinal tract, and some extremely serious
- conditions involving infections and diseases of the central nervous system, it
- may also occur in less important situations. In many cases in can be a part
- of an emotional or "distasteful" situation, and be a reaction to anxiety or
- fear. It may be an expression of hostility or contempt, a means of obtaining
- special consideration or attention. And it may not be easy to discover the
- real meaning or underlying cause for this type of vomiting, as in many cases
- the patient is not aware of the reasons on a conscious level. Any patient
- with repeated episodes of vomiting, especially in cases where no nausea is
- present, must be fully examined to rule out the possibility of physical
- disorders, before any diagnosis implying an emotional cause can be made. A
- finding of "psychogenic" vomiting may be made, then requiring the appropriate
- follow up care and treatment. This is not something to take lightly, nor do I
- feel you can resolve the problem in a conflict at the supper table. It is
- apparent to me that there is some deep seated condition here. Take my advice,
- and seek professional help.
-
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-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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