Pica eating disorder is a medical condition, or form of disordered eating that is often related to various types of mental disorders or developmental disabilities. it is also seen in some young children. Sufferers might be labeled as “just freaky eaters”, but pica behavior can be very dangerous. why?

Individuals with Pica Eating Disorder are known to have cravings for objects that are not viable for consumption.

they may eat coins, used matches, cigarette butts, glass, soap, feces, paper products — the list goes on. I even knew a person who ate batteries.

Geophagia is a common sub-category of Pica. this is where a person eats soil and/or clay.

Some sufferers may also consume edible products, but they tend to eat them in a less than desirable (or safe) state — such as raw meat, raw potato, orange peel, or uncooked rice.

Pica becomes dangerous when sufferers choke on the objects they’re trying to consume, or if such objects are contaminated or toxic. My friend who ate the batteries did not choke, however she suffered from intestinal blockage, and the batteries began to leak inside her body. it became a medical emergency very quickly.

Although not a lot of research has been done, it’s suggested that one of the main causes of Pica is some type of mineral deficiency such as iron deficiency anemia.

Pica symptoms can vary greatly because it depends on what has been eaten, and how much. Lead poisoning in Pica is common for children or other people who consume plaster or paint. it may also result in brain damage.

Frequent trips to the emergency clinic may also be another indication that Pica eating disorder has become a problem. There are so many items that can cause blockages, ruptures, internal bleeding, poisoning and more.

Probably the most obvious signs and symptoms of Pica would be the behavior itself. if you notice that someone is eating objects with no nutritional value, and they are old enough to not be doing so — or if young children insist on doing it repeatedly — then medical assessment is definitely recommended.

A Pica Eating Disorder diagnosis may be be given if the following symptoms and behaviors are present:

• There is a co-existing mental disorder or disability – (i.e. autism, mental retardation, schizophrenia.)
• The consumption of non-nutritive items persists for a period of longer than one month.
• The individual’s eating behaviors are not part of an acceptable cultural practice.
• The eating behaviors are deemed inappropriate for the person’s age or stage of development.

Pica treatment is generally successful and is based on the patient’s current physical and mental health. Mental disabilities and disorders are taken into account, and there is sometimes a screening done to detect any mineral deficiencies.

Developmentally disabled sufferers often benefit from behavior-based therapy where negative consequences are associated to the act of eating certain objects. Good behavior (eating the “right stuff”) is rewarded.

Some experts are not in favor of using medications to treat Pica unless it can be proven that it has been caused by a mental disorder that is psychotic in its etiology, such as schizophrenia.