Pica
What is Pica?
Pica is an eating disorder that causes cravings for inedible substances without any nutritional value, such as clay, soil, ice, paper, and others. Pica affects 27.8-68% of pregnant women and is present in 18.5% of children.
History
Pica has had traces of origin from the 16th and 18th centuries, often seen in pregnant women. There was intensive scientific research being done around those times about this disorder; unfortunately, it is not as significant today and is not a commonly-known disorder.
Misconceptions
Some misconception about pica is that it is an eating disorder that only occurs in children. However, pica can occur at any age. Another misconception is that pica cravings are the same as pregnancy cravings, but pica cravings are usually non-food items, while pregnancy cravings are food items that may seem unusual. Another misconception is that pica is not that concerning, or serious. However, pica can detrimentally affect one’s health.
The following video delves deeper into pica:
Symptoms/cravings
Some pica cravings include dirt, paper, clay, animal feces, sand, hair, chalk, rocks, shampoo, clothes, and many more.
Some pica symptoms include nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue, social problems, etcetera.
Pica disorder’s link with autism
Pica disorder may be associated with autism. According to pediatric nurse practitioner Lynn Cole, people with autism, “....[enjoy] the feeling of eating certain non-food items. This kind of sensory stimulation may be similar to other autism-related behaviors such as spinning or looking at lights” (Cole par. 4). Additionally, she explains that in some cases of autism, it is difficult for the person to differentiate food items from non-food items, so the tendency to eat non-food items does not come from desire. Finally, some people struggling with autism and pica may have a genuine craving for iron or zinc; this is a sign of nutrient deficiency.
How to seek help
If you feel that you, or a loved one, are struggling with an eating disorder, please consult a professional or visit the sites below. Asking for help is not easy, but you are not alone, making that first will help you so much in the long run. Happiness and health are worth much more than societal standards.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/eating-disorder-treatment-and-recovery.htm
Works Cited
---. “Pica Facts and Statistics.” The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab, 3 May 2022, www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/pica/pica-statistics/#:%7E:text=There%20are%20some%20studies%20from,present%20in%2018.5%25%20of%20children+.
---. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21563381. Accessed 27 Sept. 2022.
“Pica Myths.” The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab, 26 May 2022, www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/pica/pica-myths.
“Page Not Found.” Verywell Health, www.verywellhealth.com/pica-5083875+. Accessed 27 Sept. 2022.
“---.” Autism Speaks, www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/pica-autism-connection-help-perspective+. Accessed 27 Sept. 2022.
