Understanding Pica: What You Need To Know
What Causes Pica?
First, there is no direct cause of pica, as each individual and their case is unique and different from another person who consumes inedible objects. However, stressors such as emotional trauma, maternal deprivation, family problems, parental neglect, pregnancy, and a disorganized family structure are deeply connected to pica as a form of comfort. Mineral deficiencies are also commonly linked to pica; however, in most cases, biological abnormalities are rarely found in patients diagnosed with pica. Patients who practice different forms of pica, such as amylophagy, geophagy, and pagophagy, are more likely to be anemic, have a low hemoglobin concentration in their blood, lower levels of red blood cells, or lower plasma zinc levels.
Additionally, pregnant women and children who practice pica were associated with having a higher chance of being anemic or having lower hemoglobin in their blood compared to the general population. Recently, pica has been linked to the obsessive-compulsive spectrum. However, pica is still recognized as a separate mental disorder, and recent studies have found a connection between OCD and schizophrenia as a possible cause of pica in some cases. Pica can also be a cultural practice not associated with a disorder or deficiency, and cultural rituals can be the cause of it in some individuals.
Treatment Options
Given the numerous medical complications associated with pica, close supervised medical monitoring is necessary when an individual is receiving treatment for their eating behavior. Close collaboration with a mental health team skilled in treating pica is ideal for optimal treatment when it comes to complicated cases. Treatment for pica depends on the patient, their severity and suspected cause and can focus on psychosocial, environmental, and family-guidance approaches. The initial approach involves screening for and treating any mineral deficiencies, if necessary, and behavior-based treatments can be incredibly helpful for developmentally disabled and mentally ill patients with pica.
Fortunately, behavioral treatments for pica have been shown to reduce the severity of pica symptoms by eighty percent in patients with intellectual disabilities. Behavioral treatments may involve using positive reinforcement tactics, such as aversion therapy, where the patient learns through positive reinforcement what foods are good and bad for them. Treatment can be similar to how OCD or addictive disorders are treated, such as exposure therapy.
