![]() Pica is related to varying etiological theories. For example, when the phrase “pica-related behaviors” is clearly defined, the suggestion that another disorder is prevalent with the behaviors that are similar to the disorder pica can be established. By defining pica and pica-related behaviors, the opportunity to understand the root of the behavior is better understood. In order for any disease or disorder to be properly treated, the disease or disorder must first be properly defined. Pica-related behaviors are maladaptive behaviors that are typically stemmed from other conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (Herguner, Ozyildirim, & Tanidir, 2008). The current literature does not differentiate between pica-related behaviors and pica. In order for proper treatment of pica to occur, clinicians must be able to differentiate between pica, being the disorder, and pica-related behaviors, being behaviors that are derivatives of the disorder, but are often related to different disorders. Recommendationsĭue to the elusiveness of pica, appropriate assessment and treatment of the disorder are critical. The recommended pica prevention measures include proper nutrition education and observation in order to prevent pica instances from becoming repeated behaviors. The more common procedures have involved behavioral treatments in order to combat a condition that is of behavioral nature. Recommended treatment procedures include creating an environment free of events that could trigger pica occurrences and overcorrection procedures (Piazza, et al., 1998 Ricciardi, et al., 2003). Assessment procedures that rely on observation of pica events are indisputable and deception is less likely to occur. Pica assessment procedures do not typically involve interviewing individuals due to the high likelihood of the individuals not presenting truthful information (Young et al., 2010). Recommended assessment procedures include close observation of individual suspected to have pica, safe baiting procedures, and physiological examinations (Fisher et al., 1994). However, there are general recommendations in place for assessing, treating, and preventing pica (Williams & McAdam, 2012). These etiological theories are still inconclusive due to the limited completed research.Ĭurrently, there are no existing clinical guidelines in place for addressing pica assessment or treatment (Williams & McAdam, 2012). The micronutrient deficiency theory suggests that pica can be caused by an improper diet practiced over a period of time and choices regarding consumed items can have an impact on later eating behaviors (von Garnier, Stunitz, Decker, Battegay, & Zeller, 2008). ![]() The theory regarding neurological disorder suggests that physiological dysfunction of the brain influences an individual to engage in pica (Beecroft, Bach, Tunstall, & Howard, 1998). The theories regarding gastrointestinal distress and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder appear to be similar due to both theories suggesting that pica occurs as a self-soothing mechanism in order to ease either physical or psychological discomfort (Herguner, Ozyildirim, &Tanidir, 2008 Kettaneh, et al., 2005 Young, et al., 2010 Mitchell, Laycock, & Stephens, 1977). The prominent etiological theories related to pica include gastrointestinal distress, micronutrient deficiency, neurological disorder, and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder. Due to recent changes in the DSM-V (2013), such as identifying pica as an eating disorder instead of a disorder characterized of infancy and early childhood, allows for the opportunity to properly identify pica in a clinical setting is now available. ![]() Such misuses include disregarding the criteria for diagnosis. Pica being misused as a diagnosis is a frequent occurrence due to uncertainties of the disorder (Parry-Jones & Parry-Jones, 1992). According to the existing literature, pica is a mysterious disease, characterized by the consumption of non-food items, related to inconclusive etiologies, no existing assessment or established treatment procedures, and contains an expansive history. ![]()
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