Pica: An odd symptom experienced by some anorexics
November 14, 2008 by angelique
Filed under Women's Health
Have you heard of “pica”?
I’m not talking pica in terms of font size, but the medical condition. It’s a strange one, indeed.
A person with pica has a craving for and may (or may not) ingest non-food materials such as clay, dirt, paper, feces (this one is mostly found in kids or those with severe psychoses), hair and many other items that most of us wouldn’t swallow on a bet.
Those suffering from pica are not diagnosed as have eating disorders, per se; after all, the pica is a symptom of something else at work.
For instance, in young children, pica could be simply a strange way of orally “exploring” the world around them or possibly emulating animal behaviors. (Ever watched a dog? They nose around their own waste and sometimes munch it up. Blech.) Many pregnant women also report bouts of pica; in fact, I knew of a woman who craved charcoal while she was carrying twins. (She never ate the stuff but wanted to.)
In the case of eating disordered patients, especially those with anorexia and ED-NOS (which stands for “eating disorder not otherwise specified”), pica may stem from the individuals’ naturally compulsive natures. Pica can also be a way to “fill” the stomach with anything other than food or liquid in an attempt to stave off severe hunger pains or put on weight.
Now, I’ve never experienced pica, though I must admit that during the height of my eating disorder I contemplated eating notebook sheets instead of meals. (Yes, I’m serious.) However, from what I’ve read, I’d say that pica is not as uncommon as many believe. In fact, I’m willing to bet there are people who engage in pica behaviors and have no clue there’s a name for it.
Have you ever found yourself eating non-foods for any reason? If so, why?
hmm i dont think i ever did that…ive wondered what things would taste like but havent ever been compelled to actually eat anything other than food. its really interesting though- perhaps its an eating disorder in and of itself?
Kelly Turner
http://www.groundedfitness.com
I know a couple of people who munched coal as kids (not on a regular basis, mind you – just until their moms found it in their pockets or noticed, “Hey, my kid has black stuff all over his mouth”). Their doctors attributed it to iron deficiency, and they’ve been coal-free ever since. Yay!
I found an interesting article regarding that:
Pica In Young Children
And, from the article:
There also are nutritional problems associated with pica. Many children who have pica also have low levels of zinc, calcium, or iron; and some children who have pica also have iron-deficiency anemia. Children who have pica also may be less likely to eat nutritious foods and suffer from malnutrition.
While I don’t eat the non-food items at times when I am frantic and I can’t figure out what to eat (but know I need to eat) I would pick through the garbage to find some food that I might have thrown out. I know it is disgusting but at times it is all I could deserve to eat.
I ate dirt as a child because low iron made me crave it. When my ed was at it’s worst I crunched ice obsessively and once in a while craved dirt or cat litter (the clean gravely smell of it). I hated changing the cat litter cause I felt so disgusting wanting to lick it.