![]() However, doctors don’t diagnose Pica in children younger than two, since children at this age often put non-edible things in their mouths as a part of their normal childhood development. In reality, young children make up the largest segment of Pica cases– between 25% and 33% of all Pica cases. That said, many small children routinely consume nonedible items out of boredom or because they like having something in their mouth, which is why parents may not spot Pica in kids right away. It crosses into Pica when the behavior becomes compulsive and frequent. Many Pica cases go unreported–loved ones may not initially recognize the behavior as a disordered eating pattern (think back to your friend in school who routinely chewed pencils or hoodie strings). It may not even come to the attention of a loved one for some time if it is happening outside of the home.īut there’s a difference between chewing a pencil out of habit and a craving for a pencil. Common Nonfood Eating Items for Pica Eating Disorder Include: Pica behaviors are specifically designated to eating nonfood items. In this case, the behavior would not be considered Pica because it occurs only in the context of a cultural ritual or is customary across the entire cultural group. There are also some non-food items that are eaten in specific cultural groups. It is considered Pica when the behavior exists in a person for whom that type of behavior is considered developmentally inappropriate.įor the sake of clarity, eating food items that are low in nutritional value–like sports drinks, sodas, or candy–does not qualify as Pica behavior. If the item is culturally accepted as a food, then it is not considered pathological, even if it’s not always the best nutritional choice. For example, many toddlers will eat a dog biscuit or crayon once or twice but learn to stop when a caregiver responds negatively or takes the item away. Now, most people have eaten items that are not technically food at some point in their lives, usually as a baby or small child. It is essential whenever this behavior is discovered, that the person see a medical doctor first, to make sure that any nutritional deficiencies are properly addressed before any kind of behavioral or psychological treatment is employed.Įssentially, Pica is an eating disorder in which sufferers consistently eat items that have no nutritional value (i.e. It is more commonly found in individuals who are suffering from some form of malnutrition or vitamin deficiency, who have developmental disabilities such as autism, and sometimes in pregnant women. Pica is a feeding disorder that is specific to certain populations, but even experienced eating disorder clinicians can go an entire career and never see it. ![]() This is an apt description of this particular eating disorder, both in the nature of the disorder and why loved ones looking in often find the disorder so troubling. The word “Pica” is an Anglo-Latin word for magpie, in reference to the bird’s unusual eating habits of collecting and ingesting seemingly random items. Here, we’re breaking down what you need to know about this eating disorder and how you or your loved one can live a life free of disordered eating. The first step is to understand Pica and what your Pica treatment options are. Seeking out a qualified treatment professional is crucial to overcoming this condition. In the case of Pica, the individual or his family may not even recognize this behavior as a disorder but what they do know is that they’re worried about their eating patterns and may be embarrassed to ask for help. So, while the behaviors of any eating disorder can seem bizarre or baffling to those who have never had one, these lesser-known feeding disorders can feel even more foreign to loved ones who are concerned about what they are seeing. There is a sub-category of eating disorders, known as feeding disorders, that are far less recognized and understood. When one thinks of the term “eating disorder” one generally thinks of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, the two best-known eating disorders. Intimacy Anorexia Treatment: A Guide to Intimacy Anorexia.What Causes Anorexia Nervosa? Learn the Risk Factors.Side Effects of Bulimia: Learn the Health Risks Bulimia Poses.Bulimia vs Anorexia: What’s the Difference?.Side Effects of Binge Eating: Learn the Health Risks Binge Eating Poses. ![]()
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