![]() ![]() Prior to coming to Walden, Fiona held positions as a professional outreach representative for eating disorder, substance use, and trauma treatment facilities, was a counselor in a treatment center for adult women with eating disorders and provided outpatient case management for clients struggling with addictions and eating disorders. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services at Lesley University, and is currently pursuing an M.Ed in Health Education through the Eating Disorders Institute at Plymouth State University. If you or a loved one are experiencing the symptoms and/or complications of Pica, it’s important to reach out to a specialized eating disorder treatment provider.įiona LaRosa-Waters is Community Relations Specialist for Walden Behavioral Care. However, due to the risks to both the physical and mental well-being of the individuals who engage in this behavior, the consumption of non-food items should be taken very seriously when reported or observed. Pica often goes unreported, and the prevalence of this disorder is unknown. Family therapy is also utilized in the treatment and management of Pica, and applied behavior therapy is commonly used for those with intellectual disabilities. Pica Treatment: A behavioral approach is generally the most effective intervention for treating Pica, typically involving the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help build skills around distinguishing edible foods from non-edible ones. Non-digestible objects, hard or sharp items and bacteria or parasites can lead to constipation/blockages, esophageal or intestinal tears and/or various other infections. Nutritional deficiencies can occur when the consumption of non-food items interferes with regular eating. It has also been associated with trichotillomania and excoriation (hair-pulling disorder and skin-picking disorder), and more recently to the obsessive-compulsive continuum.Ĭomplications of Pica: Complications can include poisoning–which can potentially lead to brain damage, developmental disabilities or other issues. Pica Risk factors: Can include pregnancy, malnutrition or other nutritional deficiencies a family history of Pica poverty, trauma and/or neglect a co-occurring mental disorder such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder or an intellectual disability. The name: “Pica” comes from the Latin word for magpie, a bird known for its large and random appetite. Some important and interesting facts about Pica: It is when the behavior becomes repetitive, despite attempts to redirect or restrict it, when a Pica diagnosis may be considered. Additionally, it is not uncommon for toddlers and some young children to ingest things like dirt or sand. This is a developmentally normal approach for babies to explore and understand the world around them. Yes, most young infants put non-food items into their mouth. An appropriate diagnosis of Pica does not include the consumption of non-food items that are ingested as part of a culturally supported and/or socially normative practice, such as eating clay for medicinal purposes. Pica is common among children with developmental disabilities which can make the condition more difficult to treat or manage. It usually develops in childhood and often only persists for a few months. Pica is defined as the persistent and compulsive eating, over a period of at least one month, of non-food substances (such as paint or string) that are not developmentally appropriate for that age. One of these diagnoses is a complex and lesser understood condition called Pica. ![]() ![]() What many don’t realize is that there are several other clinically recognized feeding and eating disorders. When someone thinks of an eating disorder, the “big three” – Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder – most often come to mind.
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