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What Are Options for Treating PICA? Part 2

April 16, 2009 - 12:45pm 591 reads 2 comments

The role of Social worker

In toddlers and young children, pica behavior training must also bring about a positive appreciation of the environment and/or sensory stimulation. In young children with PICA, other issues that may need to be addressed are improvement of financial problems, schooling, social welfare, and prevention of isolation. One may also need to assess cultural beliefs and practices, educate both child and family, and teach about the harm of PICA. In children, it is vital that the surrounding environment be free of lead based paints, toys and furniture.

Medications

The majority of health care workers believe that PICA resolves spontaneously or can be improved with behavior treatment. Moreover, this is true in a number of individuals. However, there are many reports of adults with PICA who realize that their eating habits are troublesome. Many of these individuals have tried behavior therapy and have not improved. There are no approved drug regimens for PICA. In the literature, all drug therapy treatment for PICA is anecdotal and only isolated case reports exist. No one really knows what the ideal drugs are and how long to treat PICA.

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Anonymous

Used at certain dosage levels in certain forms at certain times, prescription drugs are safe and effective. But when they are used for nonmedical purposes, that is called abuse, and abuse of prescription drugs is not safe.

Shamir Benji

agree

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