David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
When eating disorders turn to non-food objects: what is pica and how serious are its consequences?
by Kate Daigle
September 16, 2011
Pica is one of the least known eating disorders because of its bizarre nature and its relatively new arrival on the eating disorder scene. What is pica? A person afflicted with pica has a persistent craving for a substance that is not commonly considered food. These substances are largely non-nutritive (clay, laundry detergent, coal, chalk, sand, gum, tacks, and other office supplies) and ingesting them can be very medically dangerous. To be considered pica, the symptoms must persist for more than one month and must occur at a time when it is not developmentally appropriate (usually at ages older than 18 months). Pica most commonly occurs in children and pregnant women, and it is seen in many animals, particularly dogs. The disorder can show up in children and adults with developmental difficulties such as autism or Down?s Syndrome. The word pica originated from the Latin word for magpie, which are birds that are known to eat just about anything.
Why does pica impact pregnant women? Clinicians and doctors think that craving a substance that is not food may be an indicator that the woman is dealing with a vitamin or nutrient deficiency such as low calcium or iron, and this can typically happen in families that live in poverty. Pica usually goes away after childbirth in theses cases, but can also continue into the post-partum period. In some cultures, the eating of non-food substances is traditionally accepted and practiced. However, pica is spreading to Western cultures that do not have such traditions and it can cause serious medical conditions (especially in pregnant women) such as:
Some professionals feel that pica is more associated with sensory processing or feeding disorders and not eating disorders. The lines can be blurry. What is common between eating disorder and pica are the severe medical concerns that can occur as a result of the eating or restricting of substances. Consuming substances (whether it is ingestible or not) can alter the way that your brain functions and can affect the person?s emotional state. Eating a painful or dangerous substance can be a way of avoiding, of self-punishing, or of getting pleasure in a non-traditional way. I consider pica to be an eating disorder because it involves consuming substance in a way that is not normal or healthy. This is common with other types of eating disorders.
What causes pica? While professionals are still not sure the exact cause, pica can be influenced by malnutrition, poverty, emotional deprivation, anemia, neglect, lack of parental supervision or parental abuse, or developmental delays. Consulting a medical doctor as well as working with a therapist are essential in recovery from pica. Many people with this condition need to be medically stabilized and ensure that there is no internal damage before he or she can begin working on the emotional consequences and causes of the disorder. It is also very important to try to prevent this issue turning into another type of eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. If self-esteem is an issue for the person, he or she may have a belief that they do not deserve to eat ?real? foods.
I find it essential to strive for awareness about any type of mental disorder that may affect those that we know, love, and treat. The more we know, the more we can help to relieve emotional and physical pain. A condition such as pica, though relatively rare, possess behaviors that are so abnormal for our development that it forces us to take note. In some cases, engaging in serious pica behaviors is a way of self-harm and potential bodily failure. If you or someone you know may show symptoms of pica, consult a medical professional immediately.
by Kate Daigle
September 16, 2011
Pica is one of the least known eating disorders because of its bizarre nature and its relatively new arrival on the eating disorder scene. What is pica? A person afflicted with pica has a persistent craving for a substance that is not commonly considered food. These substances are largely non-nutritive (clay, laundry detergent, coal, chalk, sand, gum, tacks, and other office supplies) and ingesting them can be very medically dangerous. To be considered pica, the symptoms must persist for more than one month and must occur at a time when it is not developmentally appropriate (usually at ages older than 18 months). Pica most commonly occurs in children and pregnant women, and it is seen in many animals, particularly dogs. The disorder can show up in children and adults with developmental difficulties such as autism or Down?s Syndrome. The word pica originated from the Latin word for magpie, which are birds that are known to eat just about anything.
Why does pica impact pregnant women? Clinicians and doctors think that craving a substance that is not food may be an indicator that the woman is dealing with a vitamin or nutrient deficiency such as low calcium or iron, and this can typically happen in families that live in poverty. Pica usually goes away after childbirth in theses cases, but can also continue into the post-partum period. In some cultures, the eating of non-food substances is traditionally accepted and practiced. However, pica is spreading to Western cultures that do not have such traditions and it can cause serious medical conditions (especially in pregnant women) such as:
- Anemia
- Constipation
- Intestinal infections or parasites from soil
- Intestinal obstruction
- Lead poisoning ? especially in children
- Liver and kidney damage
- Malnutrition
- Mercury poisoning
Some professionals feel that pica is more associated with sensory processing or feeding disorders and not eating disorders. The lines can be blurry. What is common between eating disorder and pica are the severe medical concerns that can occur as a result of the eating or restricting of substances. Consuming substances (whether it is ingestible or not) can alter the way that your brain functions and can affect the person?s emotional state. Eating a painful or dangerous substance can be a way of avoiding, of self-punishing, or of getting pleasure in a non-traditional way. I consider pica to be an eating disorder because it involves consuming substance in a way that is not normal or healthy. This is common with other types of eating disorders.
What causes pica? While professionals are still not sure the exact cause, pica can be influenced by malnutrition, poverty, emotional deprivation, anemia, neglect, lack of parental supervision or parental abuse, or developmental delays. Consulting a medical doctor as well as working with a therapist are essential in recovery from pica. Many people with this condition need to be medically stabilized and ensure that there is no internal damage before he or she can begin working on the emotional consequences and causes of the disorder. It is also very important to try to prevent this issue turning into another type of eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. If self-esteem is an issue for the person, he or she may have a belief that they do not deserve to eat ?real? foods.
I find it essential to strive for awareness about any type of mental disorder that may affect those that we know, love, and treat. The more we know, the more we can help to relieve emotional and physical pain. A condition such as pica, though relatively rare, possess behaviors that are so abnormal for our development that it forces us to take note. In some cases, engaging in serious pica behaviors is a way of self-harm and potential bodily failure. If you or someone you know may show symptoms of pica, consult a medical professional immediately.
