The word ‘Pica’ is Latin for ‘Magpie’, a type of bird that devours food as well as non-food items alike. As per DSM V and ICD-10, Pica is identified as an eating disorder that is characterized by hunger for and consumption of non-nutritious non-food like items such as dirt, clay, soap, etc. The disorder is most prevalent in children as well as individuals with developmental disabilities and autism but may also be seen among pregnant women. To be diagnosed with Pica, the individual must consistently consume non-nutritious non-food items like ash, charcoal, paper, etc. despite being cautioned for such behavior. This type of behavior must be deemed culturally inappropriate and should be persistent at least for a month for an official diagnosis.
This article will discuss the factors that contribute to Pica and explain the role of professional help in managing the condition.
As per research, a large number of individuals who suffer from Pica are never diagnosed. There is also dearth of data that can pinpoint the exact causation of such an ailment. However, past research suggests that gastrointestinal distress, micronutrient deficiency, neurological disorder, obsessive-compulsive spectrum could be some of the factors contributing to the etiology of Pica. These are discussed below:
Gastrointestinal Distress: To self soothe while experiencing gastrointestinal distress, i.e., an attack by pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract, people affected by pica tend to consume dirt, clay to restore the PH imbalance in their gastrointestinal tract.
Micronutrient Deficiency: A micronutrient deficiency results from a lack of intake of the necessary nutrients in one’s diet. Pica occurs due to a lack of a sufficient amount of iron in one’s body. This deficiency is especially seen in pregnant women and growing children.
Neurological Disorders: Case studies and various assessments conducted by researchers suggest that conditions such as frontotemporal atrophy or impairment in the frontal lobe due to an existing condition or an intellectual disability could all be responsible for Pica.
Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum: The disorder has been identified as a form of obsessive compulsion and lies on the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Interviews of individuals who are suffering from Pica indicated that they consume substances such as cloth fibers to ease the rising inner bodily tension that they experience in uncertain situations. Ingestion of non-food like items aids soothes this tension.
Is Pica dangerous?
Dangers from Pica are incidental as compulsive eating of non-food like items such as a metal object, wool, etc can get lodged in the gastrointestinal tract creating blockage resulting in tearing of stomach lining, lead poisoning, etc, that require urgent and emergent treatment. Hence, a timely diagnosis as well as a psychological intervention is imperative in treating Pica.
Managing Pica
Once a formal diagnosis of Pica is made by the health care professional, the degree of severity must be determined. Key components of managing Pica are mentioned below:
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Identify triggers: It is important to learn and identify the environmental triggers in which pica behavior occurs.
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Use of contingent reinforcements: Ensure removal of reinforcing features of pica behavior and replace it with praise for engaging in non-pica activities.
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Overcorrection: It is a technique in which individuals who have pica are asked to spit out the non-food items and use a mouth wash thereafter. This teaches positive practice and encourages cleaning.
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Micronutrient therapy: The major focus involves providing iron supplements by a physician or prescribing an iron-rich diet usually prescribed by a dietitian to diminish pica behavior.
In conclusion, Pica is an eating disorder that is compulsive in nature, the cause of which is not certain but can be attributed to gastrointestinal distress, micronutrient deficiency, developmental disability and is also seen in pregnant women. Individuals with pica can benefit from professional help.
Importance of Professional Counseling: A friend or family member may listen to you, but they aren’t professionally, technically qualified or experienced to offer you professional advice. If you wish you can contact us at MindTribe to receive help from our team of expert psychologists.
About MindTribe.in.
MindTribe Founder Dr. Prerna Kohli, India’s eminent psychologist, established the company to leverage the strength of the online to make counseling affordable and accessible to everyone. MindTribe provides counseling, workshops, support groups, forums, and eLearning.
About the Author.
Bavleen Mehta is a psychologist at MindTribe.in. You can learn more about her by clicking here
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MindTribe.in, the Founders, or management team.
Acknowledgement: All images used are open source and from Unsplash.