Pica disorder and its relationship with nutritional deficiencies

What is pica disorder? Pica disorder or binge eating disorder is an eating disorder in which a person tends to eat non-edible substances such as dirt, plaster, ice, paint, starch, and even hair. This behavior is more common in children aged 1 to 6 and pregnant women, but if it continues for more than 18 months, it can be a sign of zinc deficiency, psychological problems such as iron deficiency. Obsession, anxiety, autism, and mental retardation can also occur. This disorder may play a role. with status Poor socio-economic conditions are more common and in some cultures, consuming substances such as dirt or starch is accepted as a habit. Different types of binge eating disorder There are several types of pica syndrome, some of the most common include: ### Tendency to chew hair In this type of person, he has a strong desire to chew his own or other people's hair... ### Desire to chew glass In this type, a person is interested in chewing glass materials.... ### Genophagy This type is more common in children and pregnant women and includes the desire to eat dirt or chalk... ### Pagophagia In this type, due to lack of iron, a person has a strong desire to eat ice or cold drinks... This type is usually seen in pregnant women and includes the desire to eat starchy or sugary things... ### Desire to eat wood A person with this type has a great desire to eat objects such as wood, paper or pencils, and this disorder is more common in children... What are the symptoms of this disorder?... People with pica have a great desire to consume substances that have no nutritional value and can even be harmful.. Some of the most common substances that these people crave are: dirt, chalk, sand, ice, hair, paper, plastic, paint chips, glue, wool, metals, crayons, and even dangerous substances such as cigarette ash or the feces of pregnant women, especially in the feces of pregnant women. Iron or zinc is also seen in this situation. The desire to eat dirt and other non-edible substances can be a sign of the body's need for some nutrients. And therapeutic intervention is necessary to prevent the possible damage of this disorder.. Causes of pica disorder The exact cause of pica disorder has not yet been fully determined, but research has shown that various factors can be effective in the occurrence of this disorder. Among these factors, the following can be mentioned: 1.... **Deficiency of essential nutrients** such as iron, zinc and selenium which are important for body health and their deficiency can cause various problems including pica disorder.... 2.... **Mental disorders** such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder and borderline personality disorder that can cause behavioral changes that in some cases may cause a pica disease... Factors... For example, a person with iron deficiency may turn to eating non-food due to hunger... Also People with sensory disorders, such as those with autism, may eat non-food substances due to problems processing sensory information. How to diagnose pica disorder The diagnosis of binge eating disorder is not made through a specific test... The doctor identifies this disorder by examining the patient's history and taking into account various other factors. The treatment of binge eating disorder begins with the identification and treatment of mineral or nutrient deficiencies. In many cases, abnormal eating behaviors disappear after the correction of these deficiencies. have psychological and family problems and therefore the help of a psychologist is necessary.... One of the published studies has shown that multivitamin supplements can help treat some children... disorder.... In addition to identifying nutritional and psychological problems, this clinic offers individual treatment plans... and offers a group tailored to the needs of each patient. Behavioral treatments, psychological counseling and even special training for families to better manage conditions at home are part of the services of this center. 02177431649 Qaitariya contact number: 02126456903