Pica mental disorder
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Understanding Pica: A Complex Mental Disorder
Definition and Classification of Pica
Pica is defined as the persistent ingestion of non-nutritive substances for at least one month, in a manner that is developmentally inappropriate and culturally unacceptable1. It is classified under the Feeding and Eating Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)1. The disorder is often observed in children but can also be prevalent in adults, particularly those with mental retardation, psychosis, or during pregnancy3 8.
Etiology and Associated Conditions
The exact cause of pica remains unclear, but it is frequently associated with several conditions. Commonly, pica is linked to pregnancy, iron deficiency, and various psychosocial problems1. It is also prevalent among individuals with psychiatric disorders such as psychosis, autism, and intellectual disabilities1 8. Additionally, some studies suggest a connection between pica and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (OCSD)1 3.
Pica in Psychiatric Disorders
Schizophrenia and Pica
Pica is often observed in individuals with schizophrenia, where it can lead to severe complications such as intestinal obstruction, electrolyte imbalances, and heavy metal toxicity2 5 6. For instance, a case study of a 65-year-old woman with schizophrenia highlighted the severe impact of pica, including multiple surgeries due to the ingestion of metal objects2. Another case involved a 75-year-old woman with schizophrenia who had ingested a significant amount of loose change, leading to emergency laparotomy6.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Pica
There is evidence to suggest that pica may be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Some patients exhibit pica behaviors that are impulsive or compulsive in nature, often triggered by stress3 5. For example, an adult female patient with major depressive disorder and pica showed significant improvement in pica symptoms after being treated with SSRIs, indicating a possible link to OCD3.
Pica in Developmental Disorders
Pica is also prevalent among individuals with developmental disorders, particularly those with mental retardation and autism8 10. Studies have shown that pica behaviors in these populations are often nonsocial and may be driven by automatic reinforcement8. The prevalence of pica in institutionalized settings for mentally retarded individuals is significant, with various non-nutritive substances being ingested10.
Management and Treatment
The management of pica requires a multidisciplinary approach, especially in children. This includes patient and family education, addressing any nutritional deficiencies such as iron or zinc, and involving child psychiatry9. In adults, treatment may involve the use of SSRIs and other medications to manage underlying psychiatric conditions3 5. Behavioral interventions and psychotherapy are also crucial components of treatment2 4.
Conclusion
Pica is a complex eating disorder with multifaceted etiologies and associations with various psychiatric and developmental disorders. Effective management requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach tailored to the individual's specific needs and underlying conditions. Further research is essential to better understand the etiology and develop targeted treatment strategies for this challenging disorder.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Is Pica an eating disorder or an obsessive–compulsive spectrum disorder?
Pica is a nonnutritive eating disorder that can be successfully treated with fluoxetine in children, suggesting its potential as a treatment for psychiatric disorders.
Case ReportSevere pica in long-term schizophrenia, a case report
Pica can become a highly dysfunctional syndrome in patients with long-term schizophrenia, leading to severe organic and life impacts.
Case Report
Rigorous JournalPica responding to SSRI: An OCD spectrum disorder?
Stress may induce pica in adults, and SSRIs and stress management can help alleviate the symptoms.
Case ReportA child with Pica. A case presentation
Pica disorder, a complex eating disorder, has no single test and its cause remains unknown, with serious complications including poisonings, parasitosis, and surgical abdomen.
Case ReportRigorous JournalPica in various psychiatric disorders
Pica can be caused by various psychiatric disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and interpersonal conflicts, and can be significantly improved with antidepressant medication.
Case ReportAn unusual case of pica.
Pica is a persistent, culturally and developmentally inappropriate ingestion of non-nutritive substances, often related to cognitive deficits and hyperoral behavior.
Case ReportDisordered Eating Behavior in a Schizophrenic Patient: a Case of Pica.
Pica in a schizophrenic patient is linked to delusional beliefs that objects provide energy and better vision, but does not involve suicidal behavior.
Case ReportRigorous JournalA Descriptive Study of Pica Behavior in Persons with Mental Retardation
Pica behavior is prevalent in all age ranges of lower functioning individuals with mental retardation, predominantly for nonsocial reasons, and is more likely in individuals with mental disorders like pica, autism, and stereotypic movement disorder.
Observational StudyCurrent Approach to The Child with Pica
Pica management in children can be achieved through a multidisciplinary approach, including child psychiatry, patient and family education, and nutritional supplementation if necessary.
Pica in institutionalized mentally retarded persons.
Pathological pica is prevalent in 9.2% of mentally retarded residents, with varying occurrence across settings and objects, and is related to the degree of retardation and age of the residents.
Observational Study