People from all walks of life experience disordered eating. While many people may be familiar with anorexia, bulimia, binging, and food anxiety, many people may not know about pica disorder. Pica is a type of disordered eating that is often a symptom of underlying health problems. However, a disordered eating treatment center can provide comprehensive pica disorder treatment.
If you or a young man in your life is showing signs of pica disorder, the team at Red Oak Recovery® can help. Our holistic treatment center helps men ages 18-30 with disordered eating and addiction. Call us today for more information about our pica disorder treatment center at 866.457.7590.
What Is Pica Disorder?
Pica disorder is a type of disordered eating that causes people to crave non-food. Some people crave clay, sand, or dirt. Because pica disorder is linked to iron deficiency and malnutrition, it’s common among people with anorexia or bulimia. When a person is malnourished, they may crave non-food items like clay or soil because their body lacks the nutrients it needs to survive.
Pica disorder may seem strange and unnatural. However, it’s the body’s way of asking for help and better nutrition. Living with pica long-term can be dangerous and detrimental to a person’s health.
Is Pica Disorder Connected to Eating Disorders?
Because pica is the body’s way of asking for nutrients, it can be a symptom of anorexia or bulimia. Both eating disorders lead to undernourishment. Most people living with disordered eating restrict calories or binge and purge empty calories. Some signs of eating disorders include:
- Food anxiety
- Hiding food
- Avoiding group meals
- Changes in exercise habits
- Obsessing over food, exercise, calories, and weight
- Changes in weight
- Manic or depressed behavior
Like pica, eating disorders are often signs of underlying stress and trauma. If someone in your life is showing signs of disordered eating, don’t wait. Get them the help they need today.
What Does Pica Disorder Treatment Involve?
Treatment for pica disorder often begins with blood tests. Once doctors determine what nutrients a person is missing, they can begin prescribing supplements. Iron is the most common deficiency connected with pica. When a person has low iron or is anemic, they may experience weakness and an increased heartbeat. After receiving nutrients through IV, IM, or oral supplements, clients begin behavioral therapy to identify underlying co-occurring disorders.
Therapy programs can help those struggling with disordered eating and pica. Their cravings or behavior might embarrass many pica sufferers. However, they are a normal response to malnourishment. Therapists can help clients reframe their relationship to food while they recover from pica.
A pica treatment program also provides nutritional counseling and comprehensive medical evaluations. Pica can be dangerous and linked to other health problems like celiac disease or hookworm infection. Seeking professional treatment for pica is the only way to ensure a full and safe recovery.
Begin Holistic Treatment Today at Red Oak Recovery®
Treating pica at home can be hard. Talking about it with friends or loved ones can be even harder. If you or a young man in your life is experiencing pica symptoms, call Red Oak Recovery® today. Our holistic treatment programs help men recover from pica and other disordered eating. With nutritional counseling, traditional, and holistic therapy, the men at Red Oak Recovery® build resilience together.
Our clinic offers dual diagnosis treatment for substance abuse, eating disorders, and process addiction. Our approach combines wilderness therapy with traditional behavioral therapies for long-term recovery. With an emphasis on family therapy, we help loved ones understand, reconnect, and rehabilitate from addiction and disordered eating. If you or someone you love is suffering, call us now 866.457.7590 for more information on pica disorder and treatment.
