Syndrome of Pica

Alcohol, marijuana, crack, heroin, cigarettes… For years human beings have classified these substances as the most common addictions, but what about the incessant necessity to surf the internet or the obsession of having sex? These are only few examples of singular cases of addictions unnoticed for some people and many may be suffering but are ignorant to this. In this article will be spoken about a peculiar addiction, syndrome of Pica. Now comes to our minds what is this unusual syndrome?

Well, the syndrome of Pica is a strange disease that provokes obsessive desires to eat substances not intended to the human consumption. An example is the ingestion of materials such as: condoms, plaster, hair, mud, ice, cigarette butts, and shoe polish. A peculiar fact is that this disorder is named in reference to a magpie called Pica Pica, which makes its nest with all materials it collects. Also it’s known as Allotriophagy, a term derived from “allotrio” that means strange an “phagy” means eat.

In addition depending of the type of food or substance ingested will have a specific name, like pagophagia (eating ice) or Coprogafia (eating dregs). Exist a case of one man who was gotten depressed by lose his family. One day suffered a very strong stomach ache and went to the hospital, when the doctors checked him; they realize that his pain was not from depression but from "snake hairs" of a meter long. This is too dangerous because can strangle the intestine and trigger the death of a person.

On the other hand there are the causes that trigger this unusual disorder, although they remain an enigma to the doctors since it has not been whole resolved. But there are several theories to explain their origin. Some people think that this can be provocated by nutritional deficiencies, cultural factors or psychological reasons. For example some cultures accept the Pica as a way to treat morning sickness or to increase spirituality. Many times may be due to mental illness and psychological traumas as stress, fear or abuse.

Besides this disease can cause serious complications and damage to health. These may include the following: poisoning by lead exposure or consumption, bowel obstructions, infections by parasites and dental injuries. These may include the following: poisoning by lead exposure or consumption, bowel obstructions, infections by parasites and dental injuries. The good news is that there are treatments for those who have or believe they are suffering this addiction. The most common are: administration of nutritional supplements, medication to control cravings, stress or depression, counseling, behavioral therapy or behavioral problems.

After reading this we should be more concerned about those "little things" that although we may be affecting our lives, although in a subtle way.