What is Pica?

During the developmental phases of childhood, it is normal for most children to explore their surroundings by tasting or using any number of non -food objects. When the urge to eat that cannot be accepted lasts a month or more, or persists after two age, the individual may suffer from eating disorder known as Pica. This condition is characterized by a stunning and persistent desire to consume objects other than food.

Pica is most often influenced by children and pregnant women. The condition seems to be the most predominant in children who are disabled. In addition, it occurs much more often in developing countries and rural areas.

While very little research has been carried out on the causes of Pica, some studies suggest that the desire for food can result from malnutrition. This is most likely in areas where food is rare. Most pregnant women with Pica develop the desire for bold substances such as soil, suggesting that they may suffer from mineral deficiencies.

While some PICA cases may develop due to nutritional problems, others seem to stem from pathological factors. For example, the condition may develop as a reaction to environmental stress, such as children's abuse. Some scientists have suggested that Pica in patients with mental retardation is caused by the inability to distinguish between food and non -food objects. However, this hypothesis is refuted by evidence that mentally affected individuals appear to have a strong preference for food substances.

Pica people most often desire earthy, courageous substances such as soil, chalk, paper or clay goods. In some cases, patients can eat items that are considered food components such as flour, edible sodium or coffee set. In rare cases, it is known that individuals long for human submarine such as blood, hair, urine or their own crimeThose body.

untreated, Pica can cause a large number of health problems. In particular, patients are exposed to high risk of ingestion of poisonous substances. For example, it is not uncommon for people with this condition to experience lead poisoning. In addition, patients may develop a mild to severe disturbance of the gastrointestinal tract, from constipation to life -threatening intestinal blocking.

Pica treatment varies depending on the individual case and the doctor who treats it. In many cases, treatment is mostly psychological. Avery therapy was very effective in re-training patients with Pica to overcome their desire. Cases that are the result of mineral deficiencies can be suppressed by improving the patient's diet. In cases where developmental or psychological problems are caused, drugs may also prove to be effective in reducing the desire for non -food objects.