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It is not uncommon for babies to put non-food items into their mouths as a way to explore the world around them. However, some of them may continue this habit despite knowing that they should not eat these things. Common in both children and adults, pica is an eating disorder that can cause people to have an intense and persistent desire to eat non-food items ranging from chalk, dried paint, paper, soap to clay. Causes of the disorder can range from nutritional deficiencies to mental health conditions like autism or OCD. For many people, these tendencies are their way of dealing with their emotions. (Also Read | Sleep-Related Eating Disorder: Symptoms and Signs, Contact Doctor)
The viral story of a 3-year-old girl eating dangerous things like sofa scraps, toy wool, candle wax and even shards of glass from photo frames has shed light on this rare eating disorder that often affects children, Can affect pregnant women. Women, and people with mental health disorders.
What is pica?
Pica is an eating disorder where a person has a strong and persistent desire to eat non-food items.
“A person suffering from pica may eat relatively harmless objects, such as ice, or they may eat potentially dangerous objects, such as pieces of dried paint, chalk, or paper. Pica is more common in children, pregnant women, and individuals with certain developmental or mental disorders. “There could be health conditions,” says dietitian Varsha Krishna Gade, consultant-dietitian and nutritionist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, Pune.
Experts say, “One of the possible causes of pica eating disorder is nutrient deficiency, especially of iron or zinc. Pica is more common in pregnant women, and it is thought to be caused by hormonal levels during pregnancy. ” and is related to changes in nutrient demand.” ,
People affected by this condition may compulsively eat things like chalk, paint, soap, etc. Eating these things can cause serious health problems.
“People suffering from pica eat things like chalk, dirt, paint, etc. – which often have no nutritional value. Some people may also consume cigarette ashes, hair, soap, clay or talcum powder which can cause serious health problems in the long run. can lead to health conditions. Hoarding inedible items and exhibiting uncontrollable tendencies towards them are some of the behavioral symptoms of pica,” says Dr Mazhar Ali, Consultant-Psychiatry, Care Hospital, Banjara Hills. Says Hyderabad.
Symptoms of Pica Eating Disorder
Dietitian Varsha says that people suffering from pica may not be able to control their desire to eat something inedible and may not be able to stop it even if they want to. This can lead to many complications.
- People may continue to consume non-food items despite being aware of the potential harm or negative consequences associated with their behavior.
- They often struggle to control or stop their urge to consume non-food items, even if they want to stop.
- Eating hard-to-digest or indigestible non-food items can cause a variety of bowel symptoms, including constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, and bloating. This can lead to complications such as intestinal blockage, toxicity or nutritional deficiency.
- It may be associated with behavioral issues, including irritability, insomnia, hyperactivity, and distractibility.
- Some non-food substances, such as ice or stones, can cause dental problems such as tooth damage or breakage.
due to pica
There are many factors that can lead to the development of pica, from stress and anxiety to sensory processing issues.
“Psychological factors may also contribute to the development of pica eating disorder. Some individuals may consume non-food items as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or trauma. Sometimes, some may have sensory processing issues or sensory Individuals with exploration behavior may be attracted to “eating non-food items based on their texture, smell or mouth feel, for example chalk,” says dietitian Varsha.
“Pica eating disorder is not linked to any single root cause. However, sometimes it may be linked to nutrient deficiencies such as zinc or iron, which is also seen in pregnant women. Another cause may be mental health conditions such as Linked to schizophrenia, autism disorder, OCD, etc. where pica can emerge as a coping-mechanism,” says Dr. Mazhar.
treatment of pica
“A thorough medical evaluation is recommended to determine the underlying cause for pica. Treatment for pica can range from behavioral therapy to treating nutritional imbalances with the use of supplements. For some individuals, Psychological evaluation and medication may be prescribed, or both. Environmental changes may also be recommended to help reduce compulsive behavior,” says Dr. Mazhar.
According to dietitian Varsha, the risks of pica can be managed through a multidisciplinary approach that meets individual needs.
• Seeking medical evaluation and addressing the complications that may be causing the factors contributing to pica.
• Behavioral therapy and interventions to help individuals.
• Working with a nutritionist or dietitian to treat nutritional deficiencies.
• Identifying triggers of relapse as well as monitoring both mental and physical well-being.
• Support from loved ones – especially family members – can reduce the risk.
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