Pica syndrome is an eating disorder characterized by the desire to eat non-nutrients. It is particularly common among children and pregnant women. Symptoms of pica syndrome include the desire to eat substances such as soil, clay, chalk or paper. The causes are often related to nutrient deficiencies, stress or psychological disorders. Treatment involves identifying the underlying causes and improving the diet.
This syndrome is most common in children and is commonly known as the habit of eating dirt. Causes of pica syndrome include deficiency of minerals such as iron and zinc, psychological disorders and developmental disorders. Pica syndrome can occur when parents do not pay enough attention and do not create a suitable environment for the child's development. Pica can be seen in children in cases such as parental separation, child abuse, communication disorders between parents and children, and family neglect. Psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorders and depression predispose to pica syndrome.
What are the Symptoms of Pica Syndrome?
Pica syndrome is an eating disorder characterized by the desire to eat substances that have no nutritional value, and its symptoms are quite varied. The most prominent symptom is a persistent desire to eat non-nutritive substances such as soil, clay, chalk, ice, hair or paper. This behavior usually persists for at least a month.
Individuals with this syndrome can develop serious digestive problems, such as gastrointestinal blockages and intestinal perforation. The risk of poisoning is also an important symptom, especially if toxic substances such as paints or lead are consumed. In addition, ingestion of hard or abrasive substances can damage teeth and oral tissues. Consumption of substances with no nutritional value can lead to a lack of vitamins and minerals that the body needs, resulting in nutritional deficiencies. In particular, the consumption of substances such as soil or clay can interfere with iron absorption, leading to anemia. These symptoms indicate the presence of pica syndrome and it is important to consult a health professional when such symptoms are observed, as they can lead to serious health problems.
How is Pica Syndrome Diagnosed?
In order to diagnose pica, the child must be at least 2 years old. Because in young children, the behavior of throwing inappropriate substances into the mouth and trying to eat can be seen. Babies tend to put foreign objects they find in their mouths during crawling and teething periods. Children who continue to put foreign objects in their mouths despite advancing age may develop pica syndrome.
Inadequate intake of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals (zinc, iron, copper) and vitamins (especially vitamin B1 and B6), which are necessary for the body, leads to a tendency to eat substances that have no nutritional value. As a result, the tendency to eat such substances increases. When the diet is affected for various reasons and access to basic foodstuffs such as milk, eggs, meat, fish and cheese is reduced and the body tries to compensate for the lack of food with various substances, pica syndrome occurs.
How is Pica Syndrome Treated?
In the treatment of pica syndrome, it is important that the person first accepts that the condition is a disease. Pica syndrome is diagnosed as a result of individuals transferring their wrong dietary preferences to the doctor. After determining the causes of the eating disorder, a treatment plan is prepared to eliminate the factors that push the person to the wrong eating tendency.
Treatment is planned according to the main factor causing this syndrome. With the recommendation of the doctor and dietician, a feasible nutrition program is created for the individual with pica syndrome. The support and control of the individual's environment during the implementation of the nutrition plan positively affects the course of treatment. Especially in pediatric patients, it is very important that the family supports and actively communicates with the child.
If left untreated, it can cause problems such as developmental delay, serious damage to the intestines due to hard substances eaten and lead accumulation in the body. Psychiatrist, psychotherapist and dietician support play an important role in the treatment of Pica syndrome. In cases caused by psychological reasons, eating behavior disorder is treated with psychotherapy and behavioral therapy techniques.
Treatment of the syndrome may include dietary modification, psychotherapy, behavioral therapy and medical intervention. Dietary modification involves supplementation of deficient minerals, while psychotherapy and behavioral therapy target underlying psychological problems and negative eating habits. Medical intervention aims to treat the physical problems caused by the consumption of foreign substances. Since pica syndrome can lead to serious health problems, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial. When this syndrome is suspected, a health professional should be consulted.
