The Pica Syndrome or Allotriophagia is a rare eating disorder characterized by the irresistible desire to ingest or lick little substances common and not intended for human consumption, such as chalk, glue, mold, leaves, toothpaste, cigarette butts, dirt and even feces, among others. In young children this behavior is common due to their eagerness to explore the environment and their habit of putting everything in the mouth, ceasing to be considered normal after 18-24 months of age.
In this PsychologyOnline article, we explain what is Pica syndrome or Allotriophagia and we detail what the causes are and how the treatment should be.
Causes of pica syndrome or allotriophagia.
It is not known exactly what the causes that cause this alteration are, although it points to several specific reasons and without relationship between them, therefore there are different risk groups that suffer from this pathology for different reasons as well.
The causes being considered They are:
- Physical, due to nutritional deficiencies. It usually occurs in pregnant women, suspecting that this disorder may have its roots in the animal instinct that would force us to ingest gypsum to supply calcium deficiencies during pregnancy.
- Cultural, in this case also linked to the lack of food, since it is known that this disorder has a higher incidence in poor regions such as Central and South America, and in India.
- Psychological and mental. Here the range is wide, and can be triggered in people who suffer stress, low self-esteem, or who suffer or have suffered from fear, abuse, or other psychological trauma.
Another risk group would be those who suffer brain damage, epilepsy, dementia or psychosis, and it is also very common in children with autism problems.
Treatment of pica syndrome or allotriophagia.
In addition to psychological problems, this disorder can lead to serious health complications such as lead poisoning or other toxic substances, intestinal obstruction, parasite infections, and injuries dental
This alteration requires medical treatment, using various methods depending on the root of the problem, from the administration of nutritional supplements, to medication for stress, depression or to control cravings, going through counseling and behavioral therapy or behaviour.
This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to Pica Syndrome or Allotriophagia: an eating disorder, we recommend that you enter our category of Clinical psychology.
