PICA disorder
ICA is a disorder characterized with the abnormal desire to eat substances such as ashes and chalk which is normally eaten. The persistent eating of such substances without nutritional values has diverse effects on ones health.
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symptoms (specific DSM-5 diagnostic criteria)
in case PICA is suspected, a medical assessment is crucial to asses for possibility of one suffering from anaemia. Potential toxicity, or blockage prom ingested substances. In the case of evident symptoms present, the doctor is mandated to begin a performance of complete medical history and hysical exam. The doctor may opt to utilize certain tests such as blood test and X-rays to check for toxins, nemia and other substances in the blood and check for blockage in the intestinal tract and substances in the blood. The doctor can also test for possible infections caused by eating items contaminated with bacteria. Also, an assessment of ones past eating habits may be contucted to establish the cause of the disorder (!).
Before making a diagnosis of pica, the doctor will evaluate the presence of other disorders — such as intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, or obsessive-compulsive disorder — as the cause of the odd eating behavior. This pattern of behavior must last at least one month for a diagnosis of pica to be made.
How Is Pica Treated?
Given the risk of medical complications (such as lead poisoning) associated with pica, close medical monitoring is necessary throughout treatment of the eating behavior. Additionally, close collaboration with a mental health team skilled in treating pica is ideal for optimal treatment of these complex cases.
The Handbook for Clinical Child Psychology currently supports general behavioral strategies as the most effective treatment approach for pica, with training in which foods are edible and which foods cannot be eaten through the use of positive reinforcement.
prevalence rates (including the populations most at risk for developing this disorder)
the prevalence rate of PICA ranges between 4% to 26%.
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-pica#1