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Write An Essay On Pia And Eating Disorders

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Eating disorders are a serious mental illness, not a choice or lifestyle preference. Everyone has their daily battles and life struggles, some more distressing than others and some severe, like Pica disorder. Pica is an eating disorder when people have an abnormal appetite and consume nonnutritive substances including dirt, stones, hair, feces, lead, light bulbs, and much more. Because individuals suffering with Pica are driven to eat unconceivable things, this disorder commonly leads to many medical issues. Many doctors believe Pica to be a derivative of some mental ailment but there are other factors that can lead to this disorder. Thus, Pica disorder is caused by a combination of psychological, environmental, and biochemical factors. There are many health risks and complications related to Pica because people with this …show more content…

However, it is likely to be more difficult to manage in children who are developmentally hindered and is the most prevalent eating disorder in people with developmental disabilities. Unfortunately, pica is often unrecognized and underreported in the United States and its correct prevalence and etiology is unknown. There is no specific way to prevent pica. However, careful attention to eating habits and close guidance of children known to put things in their mouths may help catch the disorder before complications can occur. Currently, there are no medical treatments specifically for Pica but behavioral strategies are considered the most effected treatment. Multidisciplinary methods with physicians, psychologists, and social workers are suggested for successful treatment. Some behavioral strategies include sensory reinforcement, antecedent manipulation, overcorrection, differential reinforcement of other or incompatible behaviors, self-protection devices that prohibit placement of objects in the mouth, and training in discrimination between edible and nonedible

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