Pica syndrome, characterized by the habit of eating non-animal substances such as soil, clay, chalk and hair, is a serious eating disorder.
In addition, although it is much more common in children, it can be seen in people of all ages. Pica seen in children usually indicates a vitamin deficiency. In adults, the situation is a little more complicated… Because the pica syndrome often indicates another mental illness in adults.
If pica syndrome is not treated, serious health problems are inevitable. Since the disease has both physical and psychological dimensions, a multifaceted approach is required during the treatment process. Causes and treatment processes of pica syndrome in children and adults Psychology Expert Prof. Dr. We spoke to Nesrin Dilbaz.
What causes vitamin deficiency in children?
Pica syndrome, a common eating disorder, occurs more often in children between 2-3 years of age. Prof. Dr. Dilbaz says that this condition usually develops in children due to vitamin deficiency and proceeds as follows:
“Pika syndrome is also seen in children with deficiencies such as iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B1 and vitamin B6. “When this vitamin deficiency is corrected, the problem is solved.”
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However, sometimes even if the vitamin deficiency issue is resolved, the problem may persist. Next, the psychological causes that cause pica syndrome are examined. “Lack of communication within the family, parental indifference or lack of motivation can lead to eating disorders in children and cause pica syndrome,” says Prof. Dr. Dilbaz.
It summarizes the problems it can cause if not dealt with as follows:
“Lack of self-confidence in children increases the risk of depression and anxiety. In fact, learning levels in school are declining due to the toxic effects of consuming substances. “They need to be dealt with as soon as possible because it will have a negative impact on social relationships with other people at school and at home.”
Stress in young people is a cause of pica syndrome
Pica syndrome can appear in adolescents or young adults as a way to cope with stress. Prof. Dr. Dilbaz, “Stress, worry “When it increases, there is an attempt to control weight, deal with anxiety and depression through eating behavior,” he says.
So, what does pica syndrome seen in adults indicate? Answering the question, “When pica syndrome occurs in adults, it is directly considered a psychiatric disease.” Dr. Dilbaz continues as follows:
“Pika syndrome in adults could be caused by a dopamine deficiency or it could be a symptom of another mental illness such as schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or depression. “
First, it must be accepted that it is a “disease”.
Pica syndrome is a disease that needs to be treated. But, said Prof. Dr. Dilbaz said, “In some cases, people do not accept the condition they are experiencing, they even hide it… “In such cases, toxic substances accumulate in the body and are life threatening,” he said. Prof. Dr. Dilbaz. He explains the reason for this as follows:
“If the disease is caused by a dopamine deficiency, the psychiatrist and the psychologist in his team must focus on these psychological factors that the patient has. A nutrition plan should be made with a dietitian within this treatment team. This is the most important part of the treatment. Because it is necessary to eliminate the factors that push a person to a wrong nutritional tendency. “
