![]() A similar risk exists from eating soil near roads that existed before the phase-out of tetraethyllead or that were sprayed with oil (to settle dust) contaminated by toxic PCBs or dioxin. Ĭhildren eating painted plaster containing lead may suffer brain damage from lead poisoning. Pica is most commonly seen in pregnant women, small children, iron- and zinc-deficient children, malnourished children, and people with intellectual disabilities. Stressors such as emotional trauma, maternal deprivation, family issues, parental neglect, pregnancy, and a disorganized family structure are strongly linked to pica as a form of comfort. Pica has been linked to other mental and emotional disorders. In addition, it may cause surgical emergencies to address intestinal obstructions, as well as more subtle symptoms such as nutritional deficiencies and parasitosis. Pica may lead to intoxication in children, which can result in an impairment of both physical and mental development. xylophagia (wood or derivates of wood such as paper)Īccording to the DSM-5 criteria, for these actions to be considered pica, they must persist for more than one month at an age when eating such objects is considered developmentally inappropriate, not part of a culturally sanctioned practice, and sufficiently severe to warrant clinical attention.trichophagia (hair, wool, and other fibers).Consuming non-nutritional substances like rocks can lead to surgical emergencies. If you have more questions about pica disorder or need help finding a treatment provider, call our helpline atĨ0 ( Who Answers?) to speak with one of our phone counselors.Figure 1. Over time, this practice works to eliminate the underlying desire or craving. ![]() When treating pica disorder, a person learns to not give in to the urge to eat a non-food item when it’s placed in front of him or her. Teaching self restraint works in much the same way as exposure therapy. Commonly used in cases of developmental disability, discrimination training also uses rewards for correct responses, such as stickers.ĭevelopmentally disabled individuals may also benefit from visual cues or charts that show pictures of edible and non-edible food items. Discrimination Trainingĭiscrimination training entails teaching a person to understand the difference between actual food and non-food items. People with pica crave non-edible substances such as hair, dirt, and cleaners. Pica disorder is a condition that can affect anyone, though it most often affects pregnant women and young children. By keeping a supply of safe items on hand at all times, the risk of harm is eliminated. Ideally, items in the box should closely resemble the types of pica-based items or materials that attracts a person in terms of taste, texture and appearance. The pica box contains a collection of items that are safe for a person to chew on, bite or ingest. Pica BoxĪs the need for some form of oral stimulation can be a motivator for pica behavior, redirecting a person’s choice of “edibles” is the overall goal of the pica box. Ultimately, a physician or psychologist should be consulted when considering treatment options. Some of more commonly used treatment approaches include: ![]() Whereas one treatment approach may emphasize family guidance, such as for developmental disability another may focus on psychosocial or behavioral training. The type of treatment option best suited for pica disorder depends on the underlying cause of the behavior. Some people with pica disorder may ingest crayons. National Library of Medicine, types of nonfood items ingested may include: due to the stigma surrounding the behavior.Īccording to the U. For this reason, cases of pica disorder may well go unreported in the U. Whereas American culture views pica behaviors as abnormal, this is not he case within Mexican and African cultures. Pica Disorder Causes & SymptomsĬauses of pica disorder can vary considerably and tend to involve one or more of the following conditions: If you or someone you know exhibits pica disorder symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment for this condition, sooner rather than later.Ĩ0 ( Who Answers?) for more information on pica disorder treatment options. Most commonly seen among children, developmentally disabled persons and pregnant woman, pica disorder can pose some very real health dangers, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. People affected by pica disorder also experience cravings, but not for food in the traditional sense. Every now and then, most everyone experiences unusual cravings for certain foods like butterscotch candies or pickles or odd food combinations like peanut butter and broccoli.
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