WHAT IS PICA?
Introduction to PICA:
PICA is a type of eating disorder. The name comes froma species of bird that eats unusual objects. Someone with PICA consumes items that are not food and serve little nutritional or functional purpose. PICA can be natural, expected, and harmless depending on when and why a person does it, given the circumstances. If a person with this PICA eats something toxic or hazardous, it could lead to serious issues.
PICA can affect anyone at any age. It is most common in pregnant people, young children, and people who suffer with specific mental health issues. Including schizophrenia, intellectual difficulties, or autistic spectrum disorder. PICA canbe misdiagnosed in children as it is very common for young children to put toys and other random objects in their mouth due to teething and development.
Symptoms of PICA
In children with PICA, the most often consumed substances include dirt, clay, and flaking paint. Items like glue, hair and cigarette ashes are sometimes consumed but less typical. Whereas with pregnant people, they tend to crave inedible items like dirt, which may be caused due to a lack of iron and zinc.
The most common symptoms of PICA include:
Stomach pain
Stomach upset
Blood in the stool
Digestive problems
The more severe symptoms range from lead poisoning as a result of eating flaking paint, intestinal blockage and tears, infections from bacteria in dirt and injuries to the mouth and teeth.
Causes of PICA
The ultimate cause of PICA is unknown, but it is believed that there is multiple factors that can increase someone’s risk of developing this eating disorder. Factors that contribute to how likely someone is to develop PICA are:
Cultural or learned behaviors: Certain cultures and faiths have common, socially acceptable PICA practices.
Stress or anxiety: People with stress or anxiety problems may use PICA as a release or a coping method.
Negative conditions during childhood: PICA is more prevalent in children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. PICA may also be used as a coping mechanism for children going through abuse or neglect.
Nutritional deficiencies: People who exhibit PICA symptoms frequently have dietary deficiencies such as deficiencies in zinc or iron.
Mental health conditions: schizophrenia, intellectual difficulties, autism etc.
Medical conditions: such as pregnancy and sickle cell anemia.
How is PICA diagnosed?
PICA can be diagnosed by a doctor through various tests and procedures. Usually, tests such as a blood, urine or stool test can be done to check for indications of poisoning, infections, and electrolyte abnormalities. Diagnostic tests such as EKG or ECGs are also carried out, this checks for issues with the electrical rhythm of your heart, which can occur when certain electrolyte imbalances or parasitic infections occur. Finally, x-rays, CTs, MRIs and ultrasounds can be used to look for any indications of internal harm or obstruction resulting from this illness.
Treatment of PICA
PICA is typically outgrown in children, especially when they learn the distinction between edible and non-edible goods and items. Removal of troublesome objects and supervision are both crucial for kids with intellectual disabilities. Pregnancy-related PICA also disappears on its own.
Therapy is also an option in treating people with PICA, there are multiple types of therapy to treat PICA depending on how severe someone has it;
Mild Aversive Therapy: Using mild aversions to teach people to avoid non-food things and positively reinforcing healthy eating habits are two aspects of this strategy for educating people to avoid pica behaviors
Behavioral Therapy: This form of therapy entails educating a patient about coping skills and behavior modification techniques.
Differential Reinforcement: By concentrating on other actions and activities, people can learn to avoid pica habits with this technique.
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