Q Why do people lie pathologically?

There are many reasons people lie pathologically. It could be from family abuse (covering up or lying so they arent beaten.) It can be immaturity (afraid of the world in general) or it can simply be the person doesnt think they rank high on the ladder of life and make up stories to make themselves look better to others, or because they want sympathy or attention that they are not getting. There are just too many reasons.

Q What about soy and thyroid health?

The available research suggests that soy may not affect thyroid function, especially in those who have a normal thyroid. Those who have an existing thyroid problem and take medications for their thyroid must avoid it or consume after an interval. The reason being, soy may affects the absorption rate of the medicine is the GI tract.

Q What is the true cause of trichotillomania aslo known as severe obsessive compulsive hair pulling?

The cause of trichotillomania is unclear. But like many complex disorders, trichotillomania probably results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Also, abnormalities in the natural brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine may play a role in trichotillomania. While the underlying biology is not clearly understood at this time, we do know that people with trichotillomania generally have a neurologically based predisposition to pull their hair as a self-soothing mechanism. The pulling behavior serves as a coping mechanism for anxiety and other difficult emotions. It does not hurt and they are not trying to damage themselves. While the average age of onset is 11, trich can be found in children as young as one year old. Onset of trich can be triggered by simple sensory events, such as itchy eyelashes, or by stressful life events, and it can occur quite suddenly. For example, it may be a tingling feeling that can only be relieved by pulling. ny relief that comes with hair pulling usually only lasts for a moment. The urge almost always returns. Thats because when the mind becomes used to giving in to the powerful urges that go with compulsive behaviors, the behavior is reinforced, and then becomes a habit. The mind gets trapped in a cycle of expecting to have the urge satisfied. The longer this goes on, the harder it can become to resist the urge.

Q What is multiple personality syndrome?

Dissociative identity disorder or multiple personality disorder is a very rare mental disorder. It is characterised by at least two distinct and relatively enduring identities or dissociated personality states that alternately control a persons behavior, and is accompanied by memory impairment for important information not explained by ordinary forgetfulness. It is one of the most controversial psychiatric disorders with no clear consensus regarding its diagnosis or treatment.

Q Are growing pains real?

Growing pains are seen in children of the age group 5 to 12 years. Thses always concentrate in the muscles, rather than the joints. Most kids have pains in the front of their thighs, in the calves, or behind the knees. The children with growing pains can be helped by massaging the area, stretching or by placing a heating pad on the area.

Q Using woolen blanket during summer can cause hair fall?

There is no scientific evidence to prove that using woolen blanket in summer can lead to hair fall.

Q I am 14 and I get chest pains whats wrong with me ?

To evaluate whats wrong with you, we need further details about nature of your pain, your gender and lifestyle. Some of the common causes of chest pain at your age could be due to acidity, stress, anxiety, prolonged cough, trauma to the chest region, etc. Chest pain due to heart disease is less likely at your age. If it is recurrent and very sever, get yourself examined.

Q Though it takes lots of courage to commit suicide why suicidal people are called coward?

Committing suicide is considered wrong and unjustifiable. Suicide gives up all your future, everything you could have done, because you cant put up with the past or the present. People usually commit suicide when they lack the courage to go on. Its like giving up on the hope that things will ever get better. Under the influence of emotional despair, a suicidal person kills himself in total disregard for those who care for him, those who would have helped him. However at the same time, it is not right to call suicidal people cowards. In fact, they need maximum help and support from those around them. One should lend them a helping hand until they start feeling better about themselves and the situations in their life. There is light at the end of the tunnel. It is important for suicidal people to remember, "this too, shall pass."

Q Sir, My dad has HIV positive..What is the treatment for me? What are the precautions should be taken for family members to be free from HIV?

Just because your father is HIV positive, it doesnt mean that you too are. Yet, you must get tested once to confirm. The only precaution to be taken by you and your family members is to avoid sharing razors with him. The biggest risk is to your mother due to sexual intercourse. It can be prevented if they always use condoms. The rule of thumb is that there should be blood to blood contact with him. All other activities such as sharing food, hugging, kissing, sleeping or any other family activity with your father is absolutely safe.

Q Medicine for circinate balanitis (reactive arthritis)

The cardinal symptoms of reactive arthritis are arthritis, urethritis and conjunctivitis. Balanitis is also a frequently noted symptom. It is advisable to get examined by a physician and then start the required medication. In the meanwhile, do not use any soaps, shower gels, condom, lubricant, etc on your penis; so as to avoid further irritation.