In the case that no deficiency is present, behavioral therapy is commonly the second line of treatment. If a deficiency is identified and treated, it may cause the disorder to taper off in matter of days to a month. The first line of treatment is to address any underlying mineral deficiencies that may be present.
The good news for those suffering from pica is that full recovery is completely possible. In pregnant women, pica disorder poses an even greater risk as it could also put an unborn baby at risk of exposure to toxic chemicals, as well as complications in the digestive process. Pica sufferers also run the risk of developing severe dental complications. Pica can also cause severe damage to the gastrointestinal tract, including obstructions, perforations, and bowel problems. Substances ingested could be poisonous, contain toxic chemicals, or be ridden with bacteria. RisksĮven though pica disorder can be hard to detect in some individuals, it poses serious threats that could prove fatal if left untreated. This can lead to the development of improper associations with nonfood substances. In the event that a child is abandoned without proper nutrition, he or she may resort to eating nonnutritive substances found in nearby surroundings. In children, pica has been associated with child abuse and neglect. Researchers have also found that extreme stress and traumatic events can be associated with pica disorder. Recent studies have also shown that pica can also be linked to the obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as well as schizophrenia. Some researchers believe pica is caused by mineral deficiencies that could be the result of a number of underlying factors-anemia, malnutrition, celiac disease, parasites, and even pregnancy. What could possibly drive a person to want to eat light bulbs, you ask? Individuals suffering from pica can be compelled to eat substances as harmless as ice or as deadly as light bulbs. Based on these findings, the young woman was diagnosed with what is known as pica disorder.Īs much as 26% of institutionalized populations suffer from pica-an eating and mental disorder characterized by the recurring consumption of nonnutritive substances for at least one month. However, she had discontinued these medications, four years prior, when she began consuming chalk. She admitted that it caused pain in her lower abdomen and hyper salivation, but she also reported that eating chalk gave her a sense of psychological well being.Ī review of her medical history revealed that she had been previously taking depression medication, as well as iron and calcium supplements. What began as eating one small piece of had turned into two packs per day.
Upon further questioning, the young woman reluctantly admitted that she had been eating chalk. but dental professionals knew something wasn’t quite right. She was a successful electrical engineer who appeared to be in good health. A 22-year-old woman arrived at the dentist office complaining of pain and swelling in her lower jaw.