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Pica in institutionalized mentally retarded persons.
Journal of Mental Deficiency Research
|June 1, 1986
Summary
Pathological pica, an eating disorder, affects 9.2% of residents in a mental retardation institution. Its occurrence is linked to intellectual disability severity and age.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Pica is an eating disorder characterized by persistent non-food item consumption.
- Pathological pica is typically defined as pica persisting beyond 18 months of age.
- It is commonly observed in infants, young children, and individuals with developmental delays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of pathological pica.
- To investigate the relationship between pica and the degree of intellectual disability.
- To examine age-related patterns and environmental influences on pica.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in a state residential institution.
- A sample of 607 residents was assessed for pica behavior.
- Data collection included direct observation and review of medical records.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of pathological pica was found to be 9.2% (56 out of 607 residents).
- Pica occurrence demonstrated a correlation with the degree of intellectual disability and the residents' age.
- Variations in pica frequency were observed across different environmental settings.
Conclusions:
- Pathological pica is a significant behavior in institutionalized individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- The degree of intellectual disability and age are important factors influencing pica.
- Environmental factors may also play a role in the manifestation of pica.