People who suffer from depression are prone to swallowing objects to inflict self-harm. (Photo : Getty Images)
Seven toothbrushes were found in a Chinese woman’s intestines and were surgically removed. The woman was treated at the Fujian Medical University.
The woman, with the pseudonym Xiaoyun, went to the hospital complaining of severe stomach pain. The doctor saw that seven toothbrushes in her intestines were causing the pain.
The surgeon then performed a laparotomy, a procedure that involves incision and cutting of the intestines. The toothbrushes were piercing her liver, with some found in the small and large intestines.
The woman was being forced by the family to marry. She was being arranged by the parents to a boyfriend that was matched with her.
The family then observed that Xiaoyun would start swallowing objects like bracelets, buttons, hair and hair bands whenever her love life was being discussed.
The family was not aware that the woman was suffering from a psychological disorder called Repeat Intentional Foreign Body Ingestion. This disorder would cause the patient to swallow objects when she is depressed.
Dr. Chen Xianqiang, the attending surgeon, said, "At present, Xiaoyun's family does not understand that their daughter's behavior is related to mental health problems."
People with this disease were believed to want to inflict harm on themselves when faced with difficulties. However, it is not intended to perform suicidal acts.
According to Dr. Donald Malone, director of the Center for Behavioral Health at Cleveland Clinic, the mental disorder is caused by developmental delays such as retardation and autism.
The doctor also said that the disorder is caused by patients seeking attention, whether negative or positive.
Another specialist, Dr. Pamela Cantor, a lecturer of Psychology at Cambridge Hospital's Department of Psychiatry, said that psychiatrists should know that there is a difference between patients who inflict harm on themselves and those who want to commit suicide.
She said, "Suicidal behavior is one with an intention to die or call attention to their pain."
"Self-injury is an attempt to reduce anxiety, or it could be used as an attempt to draw attention to their psychological pain," the doctor noted.
