Understanding Pica
Posted on: March 30th, 2017
In recent years the major eating disorders — anorexia, bulimia and binge eating have entered the mainstream to some degree and many have a basic understanding of what they are, but unfortunately some of the less common eating disorders such as Pica are known primarily by medical professionals only.
Pica is an eating disorder in which individuals regularly eat non-food substances for a period of at least one month. Substances ingested vary with age and availability, but usually include dirt, paper, soap, cloth, hair, string, wool, soil, chalk, talcum powder, paint, gum, metal, pebbles, charcoal, ash, clay, starch, or ice. When children under the age of two exhibit this behavior it is not due to Pica, but rather a normal developmental phase of “mouthing objects” in efforts to explore their senses.
It’s important to note that generally those suffering with Pica eat both food and non-food substances.
People with other mental disorders including autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability are at a higher risk of developing Pica. Common underlying causes of Pica are iron-deficiency anemia, malnutrition and pregnancy. In these cases the person is trying to correct a significant nutrient deficiency. Thankfully, treating these individuals with medication or vitamins usually resolves the problem.
Obviously, eating non-food substances (that are largely indigestible) can result in a variety of serious health consequences, typically gastrointestinal-tract blockage, intestinal perforation, infections and poison from lead-based paint.
Currently there’s no test for diagnosing Pica, but a thorough analysis of a patient’s history is an effective way to diagnose the disorder.
The good news is that to a large extent Pica is treatable. As mentioned above the first course of action is identifying a mineral or nutrient deficiency and correcting it with medication or vitamins. If the behaviors aren’t caused by malnutrition or don’t stop after nutritional treatment, a variety of behavioral interventions are available.
If you or someone you love is suffering from Pica seek help immediately as it could be life-threatening. Contact Maureen Kritzer-Lange Psychotherapy at 973-313-1691 or info@maureenkritzerlange.com.
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