Pica (allotrophagia): causes, symptoms and treatments

There are different types of eating disorders, such as the anorexy wave bulimia. Although the latter are well known to most people, some of them are not so well known. One of these is the Pica syndrome or Allotrophagy, an eating disorder that mostly affects children.

Its main characteristic is that the person who suffers from it feels an irrepressible desire or the urge to ingest substances that are not nutritiousThese include dirt, ants, baking soda, glue, insects, paper, small pieces of plastic or wood.

Pica syndrome is associated with children with cognitive difficulties and other developmental disorders, for example, autism. Up to 30% of children with this disorder have Pica. Although this behavior can be seen in other children at an early age, individuals with autism continue to perform this practice in later ages.

• Recommended article: "10 signs and symptoms to identify Autism"

Pica syndrome: main features

Therefore, this disorder is characterized by a persistent desire that leads the person to want to eat substances such as dirt or paint

. Substances that, in addition to containing zero nutritional value, cause the person with Pica to put their health at risk.

The Manual of Child Clinical Psychology estimates that currently the prevalence of this disorder corresponds to between 4% and 26% of the institutionalized population. Some of the most common causes of Pica Syndrome are nutritional disorders, mental diseases and psychological problems. However, in most cases the trigger for this behavior is not known.

However, it is important to treat this problem as soon as possible to avoid complications, as an increased risk of gastrointestinal diseases and social maladjustment

How is Pica Syndrome diagnosed?

If there is suspicion that someone may have this disorder, an immediate medical evaluation is important to know if there is anemia, intestinal problems or toxicity caused by ingested substances. The physician may use X-ray tests or blood tests to determine the extent or consequences of such use.

In addition, the doctor can also conduct a thorough evaluation to see if there are possible infections caused by objects or substances contaminated with batteries. On the other hand, it is important to carry out a review of the patient's eating habits.

The presence of the psychologist is also important when making a correct diagnosis. Well, it is essential to evaluate the presence of other disorders, such as mental retardation, Developmental disorders or the obsessive compulsive disorder.

According to the DSM-V, the behavior pattern of the person with Pica has the following characteristics:

• The persistent feeding of inappropriate substances must last at least one month for the diagnosis of Pica Syndrome.
• The feeding of non-nutritive substances is inappropriate for the level of development of the individual.
• Inappropriate eating behavior is not part of a cultural or social practice.
• If it occurs in the presence of another mental disorder (eg autism) or during a medical condition (eg pregnancy) it is serious enough to require independent medical attention.

Treatments and follow-ups

Due to the high risk of medical complications (e.g. poisoning) associated with Pica, close medical supervision is necessary throughout the treatment of eating behavior. Obviously, this treatment cannot be understood without the figure of a psychologist and / or psychiatrist expert in the treatment of eating behavior.

The Manual of Child Clinical Psychology emphasizes the application of cognitive-behavioral strategies due to its effectiveness for the treatment of this type of psychopathology. For example, it is possible to train subjects to eat or not eat harmful substances with the application of reinforcement techniques.

Complications associated with Pica Syndrome

As already mentioned, this disorder can cause serious health problems. Some of the complications associated with Pica Syndrome are:

• Certain products such as paint can contain toxic substances, and eating them can lead to poisoning. This can lead to serious complications, for example brain damage and even death.
• Ingesting substances that cannot be digested (e.g. stones) can cause constipation or blockage in the digestive tract, including the intestines. In addition, sharp objects can cause injuries to the mouth, neck or stomach.
• Ingested bacteria or parasites can cause infections serious that can damage both the liver and kidneys.
• The existence of other psychological disorders they can make it difficult to treat Pica Syndrome.

Prevention

In general, Pica Syndrome begins in childhood and lasts for only a few months. However, it is likely to be more difficult to handle in children with developmental disabilities, as they can continue to show this behavior in advanced ages.

But can this eating disorder be prevented? There is no specific way to prevent it. However, careful attention to the eating habits of the very young and close supervision of children Children more likely to put things in their mouths can help prevent disease before it occurs complications.

As always happens with these types of disorders, prevent this type of behavior from forming part of the person's daily habits is essential, so that the first to intervene, best. Once this behavior is consolidated, it is more difficult to make it disappear.

An irrational urge

Pica Syndrome is a sign that, under certain circumstances, the human being is capable of embracing extremely harmful and maladaptive patterns of behavior that have no advantage clear. In allotrophagy, the stomach is not only impulsively full, but also the substances that are ingested are not nutritious and, in many cases, are toxic.

Getting to understand what psychological mechanisms are behind Pica Syndrome involves finding the mental processes that reinforce this "loop" of actions that is maintained over time, renouncing explanations based on the rational decisions of the patient.