Wait! What do you mean there's no cause for PICA!?
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Since there is no known cause for pica, it is considered a multifactorial phenomenon due to the many possible etiologies. Several theories have been proposed to attempt to understand this behavior including nutritional/dietary factors, psychological, and biochemical disorders (Gonyea, 2007). Other areas studied for possible causes include cultural, ethnic, and family practice (Barrett, 2008).
Nutritional theories point towards nutritional deficiencies associated with pica such as iron, calcium, zinc and other vitamins (Stiegler, 2005). Iron deficiency anemia has been most reported in those patients who consume clay. However, as we narrow back to the drawing board it is unclear whether an iron deficiency prompted the eating of clay or whether the eating of clay resulted in the lack of iron absorption since it is thought that clay impairs absorption by binding iron in the gut. Anemia is also commonly diagnosed in pregnant women and the frequent observation of pica in this population which also suggests that a biochemical role as a possible cause as well (Stokes, 2006). When we turn to psychological theories many researchers believe pica is a learned behavior. However, some believe it to be a form a aggression, while others found that pica was greater in environments with reduced social interaction (Gonyea, 2007). Pica has also been practiced in many countries and is referred to as cultural pica (Barrett, 2008). However, in some impoverished countries, eating dirt/clay is not practiced by choice but as a result of food shortages. The children and women of these countries consume what will make them seem full enough to make it through the day without hunger pains. |