We may have encountered many strange situations based on malnutrition, neurological or psychological causes. But have you ever met Pika Syndrome before?
Although it sounds a little strange who can’t help but bite the walls of the houseWe live together with people, even living things, who can taste everything that cannot be eaten according to its taste and, so to speak, even scrape the bottom.
It will end if it is noticed and measures are not taken. Pica Syndrome, which can lead to a painful death we will share it with you. 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 haven’t seen it before; Magpie (Ayhan Öztürk / Dörtçeker)
Pica Syndrome was first described by Hippocrates as “eating non-food items or the desire to eat”.
The word pica is derived from the Latin word “pīca,” a bird known as the magpie. The main feature of the magpie bird eat whatever it findsis For this reason, the name of the magpie bird was considered appropriate for Pika Syndrome.
Symptoms of Pica Syndrome and common cases
The person with Pica Syndrome, He can eat anything 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 items, all substances that do not belong to the food group It 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
In public “soil eating diseaseAlthough the scientific reason for Pika Syndrome, also known as ”, has not been determined scientifically, it is possible to talk about the theories and extensive studies that have been put forward.
The general opinion in the scientific world is that Pika is based on anemia, malnutrition; iron, zinc or mineral deficiency, neurological and psychological causesthat he is sleeping.
People with iron deficiency eat soil but…
- The Chinese girl who entered the Guinness Book of Records in 2007 by eating only stones and soil for 2 months; Wuqibalaqiqige
Although it is known that people with iron deficiency usually eat soil, it is also known that eating soil causes iron deficiency (anemia). For this reason, people due to iron deficiency It is not known whether he ate soil or suffered from iron deficiency because he ate soil.
Not all children who eat non-food items are Pika.
- Due to sharenting, we did not find it appropriate to share a baby or child photo here.
Children love to explore the world by tasting it. That’s why they first taste everything they know. Therefore, It is normal for children to show signs of pica up to 2-3 years of age. However, 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 stool, infection and lead or mercury poisoning It can be listed as the symptoms of Pica Syndrome.
Family communication, sex life and Pika
parents divorced in children, poor family communication in families or children who have been abusedThe incidence of Pica Syndrome is also higher. Experts state that breast milk, which is very strong in terms of iron, must also be taken in order to prevent Pica Syndrome in children. The incidence of Pica Syndrome in children in various studies 5% to 10% varies between
In addition, as a result of Pica Syndrome, individuals are seriously affected. loss of libido and sexual inability situations are also found.
Diagnosis and treatment process of Pica Syndrome
In order for a person to suspect Pica, existing symptoms must last for at least 1 monthir. 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. Meanwhile, the values of the person are also measured. Whether there is an abnormality in blood or mineral values is investigated. In the light of the data obtained, a treatment process is followed.
Pika in social media and popular culture
Not just people; Pica Syndrome, a syndrome that cats and dogs can also experiencehas 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 per kilo.
The main subject of the production called Swallow, which was produced by IFC in 2019 and starring Haley Bennett, is The story of a woman with Pica Syndromewas. We recommend you to watch this movie, which is one of the rare productions about Pika Syndrome.
A trailer from the movie Swallow:
what about you Pica Syndrome What do you think about it? Are there people around you who show symptoms of Pica Syndrome? Have you ever “something other than food“Did you eat it? You can let us know your thoughts and opinions on this subject in the comments section.
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