Brief Answer:
Possible PICA.Please provide additional info.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I understand your concern.

This condition of yours can be termed as PICA.

Pica is an eating disorder typically defined as the persistent ingestion of nonnutritive substances for at least 1 month at an age for which this behavior is developmentally inappropriate. It may be benign or may have life-threatening consequences.


I can guide you better if you can let me know your age and gender.

Also, I would like to know

1. If there are any parental and family disorganization in your house?
2. Any intellectual disability or developmental disorders since your birth?

I can guide you better if you can update me with above required info.

Thank you.

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Brief Answer:
Relevant facts and Referral Doctor details provided.

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.

I understand your concern.

I apologise for the delayed response.

Yes, PICA indeed is associated with various complications in the longrun.Pica is a serious behavioral problem because it can result in significant medical sequelae, which are determined by the nature and amount of the ingested substance.

These specifically include-

1.Mechanical bowel or GUT obstruction.
2.Infection complications.
3.Lead poisoning(lead a component of multani matti).
4.Dentition problems.
5.Nutritional/vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Pica often remits spontaneously in young people, however, it may persist for years if untreated.

For assessing the risk of GUT related complications, I advise you to have
1.An Ultrasound abdomen.
2.An upper GIT endoscopy.
3.Complete blood work up.

TREATMENT-

1.A multidisciplinary approach involving psychologists, social workers, and physicians is recommended for effective treatment.

2.No medical treatment is specific for pica. However some evidence suggests that drugs that enhance dopaminergic functioning (eg, Olanzapine) may provide treatment alternatives in individuals with pica that is refractory to behavioral intervention.Please check with your physicain and discuss if he can rescribe it you.

3.Psychosocial Interventions-

Currently, behavioral strategies are considered the most effective in the treatment of pica. Such strategies include the following:

1.Antecedent manipulation.

2.Training in discrimination between edible and nonedible items.

3.Self-protection devices that prohibit placement of objects in the mouth.

4.Sensory reinforcement AND Differential reinforcement of other or incompatible behaviors, such as -

screening (covering the eyes briefly),
contingent aversive taste sensation (eg, lemon),
contingent aversive smell sensation (eg, ammonia),
contingent aversive physical sensation (eg, water mist), and
brief physical restraint.

5.Overcorrection (correct the environment, or practice appropriate alternative responses).

I advise you to consult both Pychitrist and Psycologist for effective implication of above therapeutic models for successfull out come in your case.

Post your further queries if any.

Update me with test results in future.
Thank you.

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