Pica is a type of eating disorder characterised by the persistent eating of substances such as dirt or paint that have no nutritional value. Compared to other types of eating disorders, pica is unique in that it is more prevalent in young children than in adolescents. Another unique point about pica is that it is often associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The DSM-5, a guide for clinicians to diagnose mental health conditions, recently acknowledged PICA as a recognised disorder.
To be diagnosed with pica based on the DSM-5, the following criteria must be met:
Persistent eating of non-nutritive, nonfood substances for a period of at least one month.
The eating of nonnutritive, nonfood substances is inappropriate to the developmental level of the individual.
The eating behavior is not part of a culturally supported or socially normative practice.
If occurring with another mental disorder, or during a medical condition, it is severe enough to warrant independent clinical attention.
Some examples of non-nutritive, non-food substances common in pica are soil, paper, and soap. Infants put non-food substances into their mouth regardless of having pica or not, so children should be at least 2 years of age for diagnosis. Also, some cultures may have traditions of eating non-nutritive substances into their mouth, so the diagnosis must take cultural norms into consideration. Pica is often more noticeable than other eating disorders due to the young age of onset. However, some behavior may be missed or misinterpreted, so it is essential that caretakers have an understanding of this disease.
In pica, the body is denied essential nutrients so the body may be forced to slow down its functions. Furthermore, some substances such as paint may be toxic to the body or contain pathogens. Also, most of these non-food substances are indigestible, leading to serious damage to the digestive system. These can lead to serious physical and psychological consequences.
In treating pica, close medical monitoring is crucial to reduce risk of poisoning or choking. The treatment would involve educating the patient to distinguish between edible and non-edible products, often using positive reinforcements. Also, it is crucial to understand that eating disorders can look different from patient to patient, so treatment must be modified for each person. Understanding the underlying reasons for restricting behavior also plays a key role in treatment. For pica, it is especially important that caretakers have an understanding of it in order to protect young children with this condition.
If you think that you or your child may have pica, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The day you take action is the day your recovery journey starts.
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Great piece dear...👍
With a thought provoking conclusion..."The day you take action is the day your recovery journey starts."❤👏👏