Pica is not the most well-known of the eating disorders. Its most distinctive element is the eating of non-food items, or items with no nutritional value, such as dirt, rocks, or paint. Most people with pica focus on one particular non-food item.
What causes pica?
The exact causes of pica are unknown. It may be a coping mechanism to deal with stress or a negative life situation. In some cultures, the eating of certain non-food items is a tradition and not seen as abnormal. In other cases, it may be linked to another medical or mental health condition or a nutritional deficiency. Some medications appear to make pica more likely.
Who develops pica?
Anyone can develop pica, but it is particularly common in children under the age of six. Many people with pica will also be intellectually disabled, on the autism spectrum, or have schizophrenia or another type of mental illness. It also occurs more frequently during pregnancy.
Is pica dangerous?
Most people with pica still eat regular food, so they should still be able to maintain a nutritionally balanced diet. Whether pica is dangerous depends on the non-food items. Many people will swallow non-food items that are generally harmless, such as ice, but some may be drawn to things that are toxic, such as some types of paint, or contaminated, such as some dirt. Swallowing hair can cause blockages in the digestive tract, whilst trying to chew rocks could damage your teeth.
How do you treat pica?
If you are attending mental health training courses Swansea from a provider such as www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/swansea, you may want to know how to help someone with pica. Pica can sometimes disappear naturally, and culturally acceptable pica that does not cause harm does not need treatment. In cases where intervention is necessary, different therapies may be tried, such as aversive therapy, behavioural therapy, or differential reinforcement. The most effective approach can vary between patients.
People with pica are impacted by their condition in different ways. With treatment, they can manage their symptoms and have a good quality of life.