Pica (Eating Strange Things) | Causes, Conditions, Complications, Diagnosis & Treatment

Max points: 5 Type: Mental Disorder Explainer

This lesson explores Pica, an eating disorder involving persistent cravings for non-food items. It explains diagnostic criteria, causes, related medical and psychological conditions, complications like lead poisoning or infections, and treatment approaches. Helpful for understanding risks, recognizing symptoms, and learning effective management strategies.

Channel: JJ Medicine Duration: 0:11:34

Questions

1. Which specific craving, known as pagophagy, is strongly associated with iron deficiency anemia?

Eating paper Eating raw starches Eating dirt Eating ice

2. What is the most common poisoning complication linked to Pica, especially in patients who eat soil?

Mercury poisoning Carbon monoxide poisoning Arsenic poisoning Lead poisoning

3. Which psychiatric condition is most strongly linked to higher Pica prevalence when intellectual disability is also present?

Trichotillomania Autism spectrum disorder Schizophrenia Anxiety disorders

4. Which behavioral management technique for Pica focuses on rewarding normal eating behaviors?

Stress exposure therapy Environmental deprivation Habit reversal training Positive reinforcement

5. According to DSM-5, how long must eating inedible objects persist to diagnose Pica?

At least 1 month At least 1 week At least 1 year At least 6 months

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