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laxative addiction

a dependence on the use of laxatives to induce bowel movements. The addiction is a vicious cycle, in which the use of laxatives gradually reduces bowel activity so that further use becomes the only way to avoid constipation. Laxative addiction is often associated with eating disorders in which laxatives are routinely used for purging. See also enema addiction; klismaphilia.

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Psychology term of the day

May 8th 2024

care of young

care of young

a manifestation of parental behavior or alloparenting in animals, usually stimulated by hormonal and other physiological changes when in the presence of offspring. These include the secretion of prolactin, which induces broodiness and parental feeding of young in birds and milk production in mammals.