The topic of eating disorders is familiar to most people. The most frequently mentioned disorders in this category are anorexia and bulimia, which everyone has probably heard of. However, few people are aware of the existence of an extremely interesting eating disorder called pica.
What is pica?
Pica, also known as perverted appetite, is an eating disorder that involves the consumption of inedible substances (such as dirt, chalk or stones) and an accompanying strong appetite for unprocessed nutrients such as flour or starch. The disorder derives its name from the Latin name for the magpie (pica) – this bird is known for its omnivorous nature.
The most common types of pica are:
- amylophagia (eating raw starch);
- coniophagia (eating dust);
- coprophagia (eating feces);
- geomelophagia (eating raw potatoes);
- geophagia (eating clay/earth);
- hyalophagia (eating glass);
- litophagia (eating stones);
- trichophagia (eating wool/hair);
- xylophagia (eating wood);
- mucophagia (eating nasal secretions).
The phenomenon of putting “strange” substances into the mouth is common in children as young as a few months old – it is one of the ways of learning the world around them. Therefore, pica as a disorder begins to be diagnosed in people who are over 2 years old. Pica can affect all age groups, but it is most often observed in children, especially those delayed in development, but also in pregnant women, especially during the first trimester and in people with intellectual disabilities.
Etiology
The causes of perverted appetite have not been fully understood. It is most often speculated that the disorder may be caused by nutrient deficiencies, primarily iron or zinc. The physiological theory states that consuming substances such as clay or earth helps to relieve nausea, diarrhea, increase salivation, and remove toxins. Restrictive diets can also lead to perverted appetite – the person using them begins to consume inedible substances in order to ensure a sense of satiety. Pica also occurs in people with schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and it is suspected that this is a way for them to cope with the disease.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of perverted appetite can be made when:
- the patient has been exhibiting the behavior described for at least a month;
- the behavior associated with consuming inedible substances is not part of a common practice in a given cultural circle;
- there is no other diagnosed mental disorder, intellectual disability, or pregnancy.
Treatment
Treatment of pica disorder primarily involves treating complications that may be caused by consuming inedible substances – surgical intervention may be necessary here, who will have to remove the swallowed objects from the body. The next element is a psychological assessment of the patient and the introduction of possible therapy and medications. Non-food substances lead to nutrient deficiencies that need to be supplemented. People who have developed pica as a result of a restrictive diet should introduce a new, healthy eating model that does not threaten life or health. However, when it comes to certain principles of healthy eating, which will be developed by clinical dietitian Wrocław is a city where you can find the right specialist
Based on:
Advani S., Kochhar G., Chachra S. et al.: Eating everything except food (PICA): a rare case report and review. J Int Prec Community Dent, 2014, 4, 1-4
Vijayendranath Nayak S., Kini R., Shetty U. et al.: Pica – an eating disorder: a report and review. Arch Med Health Sci, 2017, 5, 82-84
https://www.medicalcodingbuff.com/correct-icd-10-coding-and-billing-for-pica/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/eating-disorders/pica-eating-disorder.aspx