![]() Zinc in particular has shown to help treat cases of pica even when there is no deficiency. Often dogs will eat concrete and grout and this is such an example which can be treated with iron supplementation. In instances where there is an underlying deficiency this of course can be treated through diet changes, injections or supplementation. Treatment of pica eating disorder will vary greatly depending on the case and the suspected cause. Interestingly though kaolin has some benefits due to its ability to absorb alkaloids and tannic acids. For instance African-American women in the state of Georgia often practice the consumption of white dirt (kaolin) and show no other psychopathology. Note: Interestingly, behaviors similar to pica eating disorders have been observed as a part of some foreign cultures. It could also conceivably be caused by anorexia nervosa – some anorexic individuals have been known to consume substances such as cotton wool in order to create the sensation of being full and to quell hunger without absorbing any calories. Stress and depression have been shown to be risk factors in pica. A psychodynamic analysis of the condition might suggest that this could be a cry for help, or a conscious expression of an unconscious anxiety. In other research it has been linked to obsessive compulsive disorder – here damaging thoughts convince the individuals that they ‘must’ consume these substances and treatments such as ‘CBT’ (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) may help to ‘correct’ these thought processes. Consumption of any substance can result in a dopaminergic effect causing the release of reward chemicals and that can make it addictive. In the case of conditions such as autism it can be caused by curiosity, or a result of self harm and repetitive behavior. It might also be caused by psychological conditions. In other cases it could be caused by the existence of parasites such as hookworm which exist in our stomach and cause unusual cravings. Generally our body tries to inform us when something is missing from our diet and our cravings are designed to ensure that we eat the right things – however in our modern lifestyles our immune systems are not prepared for these natural sources and sometimes we can mix up the signals our body is sending us. It may be that the substance consumed holds clues to the nature of the deficiency – for instance someone eating dirt might be lacking vitamin B12, while someone consuming iron might lack iron. For instance a mineral deficiency such as an iron deficiency could result in the consumption of metals and other alien substances. However it has been suggested that the disorder might be caused by dietary problems. ![]() The research surrounding pica eating disorder is limited. ![]() Choking is also a risk and particularly in young children. Even if the substance is not harmful in itself, it may contain other contaminants such as pesticides, bacteria or even feces and this can cause poisoning, infection or parasites.Īt the same time even when the substance is clean and not harmful, it can still result in gastrointestinal conditions and indigestion and even constipation. For instance it can result in lead poisoning, mercury poisoning, overdose and bacteria. ![]() ![]() Of course pica eating disorders can be dangerous as it can lead to the ingestion of harmful toxins and substances. ![]()
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