What Is Pica Syndrome?

Pica syndrome is a rare eating disorder in which individuals have a desire to eat abnormal and non-nutritive substances. This condition can occur in children and adults and often leads to nutritional deficiencies, toxic substance intake and digestive system problems. Pica syndrome is often associated with other mental and physical health problems and can be managed with early diagnosis and treatment. In this article we have written for you, we will try to give information about the symptoms of pica syndrome, its causes and who it occurs in.

What Are The Symptoms of Pica Syndrome?

The most obvious symptom of pica syndrome is the desire to eat non-nutritive substances regularly. These substances can include soil, sand, paper, hair, ice, lime, paint, soap and even feces. Individuals with pica syndrome tend to continue eating these substances, even knowing that this action can be harmful. Other symptoms include digestive problems, nutritional deficiencies, dental problems, and health problems due to toxic substance intake.

What Causes Pica Syndrome?

Although the exact cause of pica syndrome is unknown, it is thought that some factors may trigger this condition. These factors include nutritional deficiencies, mental health problems, cultural and familial factors, pregnancy and socioeconomic status. Iron and zinc deficiency are often associated with pica syndrome. In addition, mental health problems such as autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia and intellectual disability can also lead to this condition.

Who Can Get Pica Syndrome?

Pica syndrome can be seen in all age groups and both genders; however, it is more common in some groups. In particular, it is more common in children aged 2-3 years and pregnant women. This condition can occur due to hormonal changes and nutritional needs that occur during pregnancy. Pica syndrome is also more common in people with mental and physical disabilities. It is also more common among individuals living at a low socioeconomic level and among some cultural groups.

What Causes Pica Syndrome in Children?

Pica Syndrome is an eating disorder in which children tend to eat soil, sand, paper, hair, paint and other non-food items. Although this condition is usually seen in children aged 2-3 years, it can occur in any age group. The causes of Pica syndrome include biological, psychological and socio-cultural factors. The causes of Pica Syndrome in children can be listed as follows;

• Nutrient Deficiencies,
• Developmental Disorders,
• Psychological Factors,
• Socio-Cultural Factors,
• Mimicking Behaviour,

What Happens If Pica Syndrome Is Not Treated?

If Pica syndrome is not treated, it can have serious consequences on the physical and psychological health of children. Some of the problems that may occur if Pica syndrome is not treated are as follows;

Consumption of non-nutrients can lead to blockage, rupture and infections in the stomach and intestines. This can cause serious digestive system problems and even death.

Children may consume toxic substances (e.g. paint, detergent, lead) due to Pica syndrome. This can lead to poisoning, organ damage and even death.

Children with Pica syndrome may neglect adequate and balanced nutrition because they focus on consuming non-nutrients. This can lead to malnutrition and problems with growth and development.

Pica syndrome can lead to tooth wear and decay and gum disease.

Children with Pica syndrome may experience psychological problems such as social isolation, lack of self-confidence and stigmatization.

Pica syndrome is a manageable condition with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If you notice signs of Pica syndrome in your child, it is important to seek appropriate treatment and support from a specialist.

How is Pica Syndrome Diagnosed?

Pica syndrome is usually diagnosed on the basis of the patient’s clinical symptoms and history. The answers to the question of how Pika syndrome is diagnosed can be as follows;

• The diagnosis of Pica syndrome begins with the patient’s detailed history and clinical symptoms. These symptoms should show that the patient is constantly eating abnormal and non-nutritive substances. In addition, this eating behavior should be inappropriate for the patient’s age, cultural and social norms.

• Physical examination is also important for the diagnosis of Pica syndrome. Due to the consumption of abnormal substances, the patient may have symptoms such as gastrointestinal problems, dental problems, infections and nutritional deficiencies.

• Laboratory tests are also necessary for the diagnosis of Pica syndrome. These tests help to detect nutritional deficiencies and other health problems that may occur as a result of the consumption of abnormal substances. Blood tests can be used to check for iron deficiency anemia, electrolyte imbalances and the presence of toxic substances.

• Psychological assessment is also important for the diagnosis of Pica syndrome. This evaluation helps to reveal the patient’s mental health status, the underlying psychological causes of the eating disorder, and possible concomitant psychiatric disorders.

• It is important to exclude other eating disorders for the diagnosis of Pica syndrome. Other eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and eating-life disorder, can be confused with pica syndrome. Therefore, the presence of these disorders should be checked and excluded.

How Is Pica Syndrome Treated?

Pica syndrome treatment varies depending on the patient’s age, health status, severity of the eating disorder and underlying causes. The answers to the question of how to treat Pica syndrome are as follows;

The first stage of Pica syndrome treatment is to eliminate the patient’s nutritional deficiencies. Supplementation of missing minerals such as iron, zinc and calcium helps to improve the patient’s health

Behavioral therapy plays an important role in the treatment of Pica syndrome. This therapy aims to change the patient’s abnormal eating behaviors and tries to promote healthy eating habits. P

sychotherapy can also be used in the treatment of Pica syndrome. Psychotherapy helps the patient to understand and cope with the underlying psychological causes of the eating disorder.

Family therapy is also important in the treatment of Pica syndrome. Family therapy helps the family to understand and support the patient’s condition.

Medication can also be used in the treatment of Pica syndrome. Medication can help control the patient’s eating urges and relieve symptoms of comorbid psychiatric disorders.

Medical follow-up is important in the treatment of Pica syndrome. The patient’s health status should be checked regularly and adjustments should be made according to the treatment process.

The diagnosis and treatment of Pica syndrome is based on the patient’s clinical symptoms, history, physical examination, laboratory tests and psychological evaluation. The treatment process includes correction of nutritional deficiencies, behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, family therapy, medication and medical follow-up.

Pica Syndrome Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has managed to announce its name to the world with its investments and studies in the field of health. Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey are doing research on Pica Syndrome Treatment Prices in Turkey. However, it would not be correct to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.