There are many different types of eating disorders present in the world today, but one of the lesser known eating disorders is that of the pica eating disorder. In order to truly gain a more understanding concept on this disorder, one must inform themselves about the disease itself, as well as the available methods of treatment, and so on.

What is a Pica Eating Disorder?

A pica eating disorder is an eating disorder which is typically defined as the persistent eating of nonnutritive substances for a period of at least one month at an age in which this type of behavior is developmentally inappropriate, for example a toddler. Basically the pica eating disorder definition is occasionally broadened in order to include the mouthing of nonnutritive substances as well.

Furthermore, a pica eating disorder can include the ingesting of many different substances, such as: clay, dirt, sand, stones, pebbles, hair, feces, lead, laundry starch, pencil erasers, ice, fingernails, paper, paint chips, coal, wood, plaster, light bulbs, needles, and string for example.

This disorder is considered as being a serious behavioral problem, in that it can result in significant medical sequelae. It has also shown to be a truly predisposing factor in regards to accidental ingestion of things such as poisons, particularly in reference to lead poisoning, for instance.

This eating disorder is incredibly unknown, especially when compared to the other eating disorders; in the United States, for instance, prevalence of this eating disorder is unknown because the disorder often is unrecognized and underreported; as well, studies have shown that children with mental retardation and autism are affected more frequently than children without these conditions, and among those individuals with mental retardation, this eating disorder is in fact the most common.

This is an eating disorder which is present throughout the world, and lead toxicity is the most commonly reported type of poisoning in regards to this disorder. Ingestion of high doses of lead can cause that of significant intellectual impairment as well as behavioral and learning problems, and studies have also shown that neuropsychologic dysfunction and deficits in neurologic development can in fact result from very low lead levels, even levels that were once believed to be safe.

Remember that treatment is available for all types of eating disorders, including this one, and so if you or someone you know has or may have this eating disorder, you should immediately seek help.