Although it may sound strange, we live together with people, even living things, who can’t stop chewing on the walls of the house, who can taste everything that cannot be eaten according to its taste, and so to speak, scrape the bottom.
We will share with you the Pika Syndrome, which can lead to a painful death if it is not recognized and measures are not taken. If you are ready, please put that stone in your hand on the ground; We open the Pika Syndrome file for you.
General definition and origin of Pica Syndrome
- For those who have not seen it before; Magpie (Ayhan Öztürk / Dörtçeker)
Pica Syndrome was first defined by Hippocrates as “the desire to eat or eat substances that are not considered as food”.
The word pica derives from the Latin word “pīca”, a bird known as the magpie. The most basic feature of the magpie bird is that it eats everything it finds. For this reason, the name of the magpie bird was considered appropriate for Pika Syndrome.
Symptoms of Pica Syndrome and general cases
In Pica Syndrome, a person can eat any kind of substance we can think of. The most common examples are; soil, paper, hair, paint, ash, clay, lime, glass, chalk, coal, ice, matches, cement, whitewash, mud, soap, gravel, battery, mucus, metal, urine, feces, and blood. Except for these substances, all substances that do not belong to the food group can be seen in Pica Syndrome.
By the way, the “meal in class” that we have witnessed many times and perhaps tasted by many of us is also an example of pica, but this action cannot be considered as Pica Syndrome as it is not long lasting.
The underlying cause of Pica Syndrome
Pica Syndrome, also known as “soil eating disease”, has not been scientifically determined until today. It is possible to talk about the theories put forward and the extensive studies carried out.
The general opinion in the scientific world is that Pika is based on anemia, malnutrition; iron, zinc or mineral deficiency, neurological and psychological causes lie.
People with iron deficiency eat soil, but…
- In 2007, they entered the Guinness Book of Records by eating only stones and soil for 2 months. Chinese girl; Wuqibalaqiqige
Although it is generally known that people with iron deficiency eat soil, it is also known that eating soil actually causes iron deficiency (anemia). For this reason, it is not known whether people ate soil due to iron deficiency or suffered from iron deficiency due to eating soil.
Not all children who eat non-food items are Pika
- Due to sharing, we did not find it appropriate to share a photo of a baby or child here
Children love to explore the world by tasting it. That’s why they first taste everything they know. For this reason, it may be considered normal for children to show signs of pica up to the age of 2-3, but if the action continues despite warnings in later processes, it is useful to consult a specialist.
Symptoms of Pica Syndrome
Of course, the clearest symptom of Pica Syndrome is to catch the individual while consuming foreign substances, but this may not always be possible. Apart from this example; Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool, infection and lead or mercury poisoning can be listed as the symptoms of Pica Syndrome.
Family communication, sexual life and Pika
Pica Syndrome is more common in children whose parents are divorced, in families with poor communication between families or in children who have been abused. is high. Experts state that breast milk, which is very strong in terms of iron, must be taken in order to prevent Pica Syndrome in children. In various studies, the incidence of Pica Syndrome in children varies between 5% and 10%.
In addition, as a result of Pica Syndrome, serious loss of libido and sexual inadequacy are also encountered in individuals.
Diagnosis and treatment process of Pica Syndrome
In order for a person to suspect Pica, the current symptoms must last for at least 1 month. Then, after this 1-month period, a path is followed through the DSM-5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria prepared by the American Psychiatric Association. In the meantime, the values of the person are also measured. It is investigated whether there is an abnormality in blood or mineral values. In the light of the data obtained, a treatment process is followed.
Pika in social media and popular culture
Not just people; Pika Syndrome, a syndrome that can be experienced by cats and dogs, has been abused by some people. We can even state that there are various pages on the Internet that sell “clean soil” for individuals with pica syndrome for 70 lira a kilo.
The main subject of the production called Swallow, which was produced by IFC in 2019 and starring Haley Bennett, was the story of a woman with Pika Syndrome. We recommend you to watch this movie, which is one of the rare productions about Pika Syndrome.
A trailer from the movie Swallow:
What do you guys think about Pika Syndrome? Are there people around you who show symptoms of Pica Syndrome? Have you ever eaten “something other than food” before? You can let us know your thoughts and opinions on this subject in the comments section.
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