Pica (disorder)

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(Redirected from Xylophagia)

Pica
Glore Stomach Display
Stomach contents of a psychiatric patient with pica: 1,446 items, including "453 nails, 42 screws, safety pins, spoon tops, and salt and pepper shaker tops". (Wikipedia)
SpecialtyPsychiatry, Clinical psychology
SymptomsPersistent eating of non-nutritive substances
ComplicationsInfections, intestinal obstruction, toxicity
CausesUnknown
TreatmentBehavioral interventions, medication (when related to a mental health disorder)

Pica is a psychological disorder characterized by a persistent craving to consume substances that are largely non-nutritive. The range of consumed materials can be broad, including biological substances like hair (trichophagia) or feces (coprophagia), natural elements such as ice (pagophagia) or dirt (geophagia), and a variety of chemical or manmade materials. The term 'pica' is derived from the Latin word for magpie, a bird known for its indiscriminate eating habits.

Classification and Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Pica is classified as a feeding and eating disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The primary characteristic is the recurrent consumption of non-nutritive substances for at least one month, which is inappropriate for the person's developmental level and not part of a culturally sanctioned practice.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The exact cause of pica is currently unknown. However, it has been associated with other mental health disorders, including developmental disorders, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Pica can also occur during pregnancy and in individuals with certain nutrient deficiencies, such as iron deficiency anemia.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for pica often involves behavioral interventions, such as reinforcing non-pica related behaviors, providing alternative activities, and educating individuals about the potential harms of non-nutritive eating. In some cases, medication may be used to treat the underlying mental health disorder associated with pica.

Complications[edit | edit source]

Pica can lead to a range of complications, depending on the substance consumed. These can include gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation, infections, and toxicity from ingested materials.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Pica (disorder) Resources

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