Understanding Pica: What You Need To Know

Treatment Options

Given the numerous medical complications associated with pica, close supervised medical monitoring is necessary when an individual is receiving treatment for their eating behavior. Close collaboration with a mental health team skilled in treating pica is ideal for optimal treatment when it comes to complicated cases. Treatment for pica depends on the patient, their severity and suspected cause and can focus on psychosocial, environmental, and family-guidance approaches. The initial approach involves screening for and treating any mineral deficiencies, if necessary, and behavior-based treatments can be incredibly helpful for developmentally disabled and mentally ill patients with pica.

Fortunately, behavioral treatments for pica have been shown to reduce the severity of pica symptoms by eighty percent in patients with intellectual disabilities. Behavioral treatments may involve using positive reinforcement tactics, such as aversion therapy, where the patient learns through positive reinforcement what foods are good and bad for them. Treatment can be similar to how OCD or addictive disorders are treated, such as exposure therapy.

Next, reveal the variety of complications associated with pica that patients may be subject to.