![]() ![]() Persistent eating of non-nutritive, non-food substances over a period of at least 1 month.The DSM-5 mentions the following diagnostic criteria for the disorder: It is beneficial to make inquiries related to commonly manifested behavior associated with Pica in certain groups that may be at a higher risk of the disorder, such as pregnant women, children, and individuals with psychiatric comorbidities. The patient’s clinical history plays a vital role in the determination of the disorder. The diagnosis of Pica is often reliant on a combination of laboratory testing, clinical assessment, as well as diagnostic criteria. Excoriation (skin-picking) and trichotillomania (hair-pulling) are also reported to be co-occurring behavioral disorders, with ingestion of the pulled skin or hair observed in comorbid conditions. Prominent psychiatric comorbidities include Autism Spectrum, Schizophrenia, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. While Pica occurs during childhood among those with common developmental patterns, it is more likely to occur in adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities, and is also linked to psychosis. Iron and zinc deficiencies are most frequently present. While Pica is commonly associated with mineral or vitamin deficiencies, they may not always be looked at only as causative factors, but also as products of the disordered consumption of inedible substances. Medication can also play an influencing role. While the aetiology of the disorder is unclear, attributions are often made to environmental factors such as neglect, maternal deprivation, poor interaction among child and parents, haphazard family structure, lack of supervision, and socioeconomic disadvantages. It is possible that the incidence of Pica is under-reported due to a reluctance of individuals with the disorder to approach healthcare providers. While the onset of the disorder can be reported at any time, childhood onset of Pica is the most commonly observed, and its prevalence is considered to decrease with age. The occurrence of Pica is observed in both males and females, though it may occur in females during pregnancy. Vitamin or mineral deficiency (in some cases).Continuous consumption of inedible substances.Pharmacological management routes are usually dependent on comorbid conditions. Treatment options for Pica are predominantly based in behavioral therapy. Iron deficiency is commonly observed both as a correlate and an effect of the disorder. In adults, Pica usually presents among those with underlying psychiatric conditions or intellectual disability. The prevalence of Pica can be observed across ages, but a childhood onset is commonly reported among children with adequate developmental progress. ![]() Behavioral manifestations associated with Pica can lead to serious consequences, including poisoning, parasitic infestation, infections, and gastrointestinal complications. Commonly consumed substances include paper, soil, chalk, charcoal, soap, hair, string, wool, paint, ash, clay, and more. Pica is classified as an eating disorder, and is characterized mainly by the persistent consumption of substances that are inedible, or “non-nutritive”. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |