Pica

This overview is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self diagnosis. (Source – Psychology Today)

Pica is characterized by the eating of one or more non-nutrition, nonfood substances on a persistent basis. Substances commonly eaten by people with pica include paper, soap, hair, gum, ice, paint, pebbles, soil, and chalk. People with pica do not typically have an aversion to food in general.

 

DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self-diagnosis. If you or a loved one can relate to a number of features listed below, then please do use our therapist directory to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist that is right for you to receive a professional diagnosis.

  • In order for pica to be diagnosed, the behavior of eating non-nutritive, nonfood substances must be present for at least one month. 
  • Children below the age of 2 are typically not diagnosed with pica to exclude the developmentally appropriate mouthing of objects by infants that may result in ingestion.

  • People may experience medical complications from pica, such as bowel problems and intestinal blockages. 
  • People may also experience infections if they have eaten faeces or dirt.

 

Please Note: This information is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self-diagnosis. If you or a loved one can relate to a number of features listed below, then please do use our therapist directory to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist that is right for you to receive a professional diagnosis.

What factors can be contributing causes?

  • The causes of pica is unknown, but it is more prevalent among people with intellectual disability. 
  • Some pregnant women also develop pica, with specific cravings for substances such as chalk or ice.

  • A general practitioner (GP) or psychologist can usually diagnose pica by asking questions about a person’s medical history and symptoms.
  • The GP/psychologist will also inquire about a patient’s physical health to ensure that unusual eating behavior is not caused as a result of underlying medical conditions or by factors such as drug or alcohol use.
  • The GP/psychologist will check the symptoms that the patient presents with against the standard criteria for pica before making a diagnosis.

Source NEDA: National Eating Disorder Association/ Psychology Today

What is the recommended treatment?

  • The first-line treatment for pica involves testing for mineral or nutrient deficiencies and correcting those. In many cases, concerning eating behaviours disappear as deficiencies are corrected. 
  • If the behaviours aren’t caused by malnutrition or don’t stop after nutritional treatment, a variety of behavioural interventions are available. 
  • Scientists in the autism community have developed several different effective interventions, including redirecting the person’s attention away from the desired object and rewarding them for discarding or setting down the non-food item.
  • Many people with eating disorders respond to outpatient therapy, including individual, group, or family therapy, as well as medical management by their primary care provider.
  • Hospital-based care (including inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and/or residential care in an eating disorders speciality unit or facility) is necessary when an eating disorder has led to physical problems that may be life-threatening, or when it is associated with severe psychological or behavioural problems.
  • Exact treatment needs will vary from individual to individual. It is important for anyone struggling with an eating disorder to enlist a trusted health professional in coordinating and overseeing care.

Sourced from Wikipedia

  • Pica is most prevalent geographically in Africa, with an estimated prevalence of 44.8%, followed by North and South America (23.0%) and Eurasia (17.5%).
  • In institutionalized children with mental disorders, pica occurs in 10–33%

If you are experiencing any of these signs, here are some activities you can do at home until you are able to consult a professional.

    • Engage in creative outlets such as writing, painting, or music
    • Keep a gratitude journal
    • Talk to a family member or friend about how you are feeling
    • Practice Mindfulness
    • Practice Yoga
    • Maintain a good sleep schedule 
    • Recognise what you can and can’t handle

# Pica
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