Pica often occurs with other mental health disorders associated with impaired functioning (e.g., intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia).
Iron-deficiency anaemia and malnutrition are two of the most common causes of pica, followed by pregnancy. In these individuals, pica is a sign that the body is trying to correct a significant nutrient deficiency. Treating this deficiency with medication or vitamins often resolves the problems.
A medical professional should assess if the behaviour is sufficiently severe to warrant independent clinical attention (e.g., some people may eat non food items during pregnancy, but their doctor may determine that their actions do not indicate the need for separate clinical care).
TREATMENT
The first-line treatment for pica involves testing for mineral or nutrient deficiencies and correcting those. In many cases, concerning eating behaviours disappear as deficiencies are corrected. If the behaviours aren’t caused by malnutrition or don’t stop after nutritional treatment, a variety of behavioural interventions are available.
Scientists in the autism community have developed several different effective interventions, including redirecting the person’s attention away from the desired object and rewarding them for discarding or setting down the non-food item.
Joss
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