Medical mystery: The healthy young woman who feared losing control
My new patient was a petite young woman sporting a retro punk rock look complete with brightly dyed hair, multiple piercings, and combat boots. But what really struck me was how thoroughly embarrassed she was to reveal why she was seeking help from a therapist. She described an increasing fear that she would become sick to her stomach while away from home and — before she could find a bathroom — experience a bout of very public diarrhea. For her, this meant severe anxiety whi