Mary, a 20-year-old lass from the Emerald Isle, has triumphed over her curious habit of feasting on firelighters. She confesses to indulging in a box every half a year during her youth, but during the stress of exam season, she would wolf down a box of firelighters every three weeks. Astonishingly, Mary is not on her own in her unconventional desires – it seems many others also grapple with an impulse to consume non-edible items.
Pica (pronounced pike-a) syndrome is a little-known eating disorder that involves the ingestion of non-food items. Mary’s brand of pica is particularly rare and solitary, as she has not encountered anyone else who shares her cravings. Despite exhaustive internet searches, she has only stumbled upon poison hotline numbers or pregnancy forums, as expectant mothers often long for the scent of firelighters. But Mary suspects there must be others who eat them like she used to.
Determining the prevalence of pica is tricky as it is not well-researched or reported. Dr. Melinda Karth, a researcher in psychological sciences and eating disorders at Purdue University in Indiana, points out that there are differences in pica definitions in studies, and adults are typically unwilling to admit to consuming ‘irregular things.’ However, a German study found that about 5% of adults reported at least one incident of pica behavior, while 1% said it was recurrent. The syndrome is most commonly observed in children and is often linked to intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, and even autism.
Pica cravings can vary greatly, but according to Dr. Karth, items like pencil nibs, chalk, plaster, dirt, and ice are among the most common ones consumed. What triggers these cravings is still a enigma, but anxiety appears to play a significant role. People with pica often exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviors that are closely linked to anxiety. Curiously, unlike other eating disorders, pica does not involve dissatisfaction with one’s body.
But what about hankerings for earth and raw corn starch? According to Sera L Young, an associate professor of anthropology and global health at Northwestern University, these yearnings might have a physiological function rather than being classified as an eating disorder. Geophagy, the practice of consuming earth, has been observed in various animal species and is often associated with pregnancy and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in cases of anaemia.
There is still uncertainty surrounding the potential harm caused by geophagy. While small amounts may be beneficial, consuming too much can have serious consequences. In some cases, pica has been linked to lead poisoning in children, particularly due to exposure from paint or soil.
Mary and Diane, another individual with pica, both describe their battles with their unusual cravings, using language akin to addiction. Diane, who developed an earth-craving at the age of 22, ordered specific types of clay and dirt to satisfy her urges but eventually managed to reduce her consumption. Similarly, Mary managed to halt her consumption of firelighters after experiencing overwhelming cravings and concerns about her health.
These stories shed light on the significant challenges faced by individuals with pica. Despite the taboo nature of their condition, they show incredible resilience in managing their cravings and making positive changes in their lives. While the mysteries behind pica and geophagy remain unsolved, it is crucial to offer support and understanding to those grappling with these unusual yearnings.
