Pica Disorder
(Amelia)
Pica is an eating disorder where an individual struggles with the non-stop consumption
of inedible items such as chalk, hair, clay, etc. This disorder can occur in all ages, and
although it is mainly correlated with developmental disabilities or mental health, it may
also be present in healthy people with no fundamental disorders. The main cause of
pica is not fully known, but is most likely associated with nutritional deficiencies,
psychological factors, or cultural influences. If pica is left untreated, it could lead to very
harmful health complications, such as poisoning, gastrointestinal problems, or
infections.
(Iga)Symptoms and Impact
Behavioural symptoms of Pica include the persistent craving of nonedible items. The
individual may express the deep hunger for consumption even after investing it multiple
times. This pattern of repetitive eating is one of the major signs of the disorder as the desire
that comes with Pica is often comparable to OCD and its compulsive behaviours. The
individual with the disorder might be fully aware that the item they’re ingesting is not edible
or may cause them harm of high severity, but yet they continue to eat it, despite their
awareness and knowledge. Pica most commonly presents in young children, in cases like
these, the compulsion is not caused by cravings but rather curiosity. If the disorder
progresses into adulthood, it becomes clinical Pica.
Psychological symptoms and impact of Pica include various degrees of anxiety and stress,
as the behaviours of Pica may be used as a coping mechanism. The social stigma
surrounding the disorder leads to even more stress, embarrassment, frustration and
shame for the individual which can result in more complex health issues and
complications. In addition, Pica is not always a standalone disorder, but can co-occur with
other mental illnesses like OCD, schizophrenia or autism spectrum disorders.
Physical symptoms and anatomical impact of Pica encompass health complications that
come with the prolonged ingestion of non-edible products. These include gastrointestinal
blockages, ulcers, constipation, damage to teeth, tooth erosion, possible poisoning,
allergic reactions, infections and parasitic contamination with consuming feces. The
disorder unfortunately removes a lot of the necessary nutrients which causes nutritional
deficiencies often leading to fatigue and weakness.
(Amelia)Dietary Requirements
An individual suffering with pica should eat as a normal human being would. This means
consuming a wide variety of nutritional foods and a good amount of mineral water. Doing
this will make sure that they are receiving enough protein(10%-30%), carbs(45%-65%),
fats(20%-35%), vitamins, and minerals so that their bodies have enough energy for
everyday life, and are less vulnerable to health issues and complications.
It is normal for people with pica to eat items that you would not typically think to indulge in.
The substances they do decide to eat will vary with age and availability. They tend to
include paper, soap, cloth, hair, string, wool, soil, chalk, talcum powder, paint, rubber,
metal, pebbles, charcoal, ash, clay, starch, or feces.
(Amelia)Body Function and Homoestasis
Pica interferes with homeostasis by provoking nutrient imbalances, gastrointestinal
problems, immune system issues, and toxicity. Living and getting over pica normally
involves understanding the underlying cause, and why the individual has the urge to
consume nonfood items. Whether it's because of a psychological condition or a nutrient
issue. Medical intervention or behavioral therapy is vital to help with the disorder and to
stop any serious health problems from continuing on.
Bibliography:
Cleveland Clinic (2022). Pica: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. [online] Cleveland
Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22944-pica.
Dennis, A. (2024). Pica - National Eating Disorders Association. [online] National Eating
Disorders Association. Available at: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/pica/.
Physiopedia. (2020). Pica Eating Disorder. [online] Available at: https://www.physio-
pedia.com/Pica_Eating_Disorder.
