PICA AS AN EATING DISORDER
I can attest that most of us have at one point come across people who will go at greater heights to eat soil from anthills. This begs the question as to whether that is normal or not? The constant eating of soil maybe typical of a disorder termed pica. Pica is an eating disorder which is characterised by a person on repeated basis eating stuff that are of no nutritional value nor can be considered as food.
According to numerous studies, several substances are often ingested and includes ash, charcoal, cloths, ice, baby powder, soil and egg shells to name but a few. Signs and symptoms of pica may come about as a result of nutritional deficiency; notably, iron, calcium and zinc. Pica is also common in pregnancy.
Another factor is that pica occurs as a result of underlying mental disorders. Pica often occurs in schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Those that are deprived of motherly love, have endured child neglect and abuse are at risk of pica. Furthermore, those having emotional problems and/ or stressful situations may end up eating non-food items as an orifice for coping.
For a diagnosis of pica to be made, there is need for the behaviour to persist for at least one month and also the behaviour impacting adversely on life functioning.
It must be noted that children often put objects in their mouths as part of their development hence they may not be diagnosed as having pica when they are under two years of age. According to existing literature, pica often occurs in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.
The adverse consequences in a person diagnosed of pica are complications with the digestive tract like intestinal blockages as a result of the non-food items consumed. Ingestion of clay products can lead to constipation whereas ingestion of ice can result in anaemia.
As highlighted earlier, nutritional deficiency of nutrients like iron leads to pica. If an individual is suspected of having pica, it will advisable tests for nutritional deficiencies so that proper supplements can be provided if necessary. The other consideration is there is need to employ cognitive behavioural therapy approaches to address the habit of eating non-food substances. Positive reinforcement may be in this regard accorded to efforts of avoiding non-food items through what is known as aversive therapy.