Eating Paper Instead of Food
Question:
I have a problem that over the years has gotten worse. I consume
paper (newspaper) I actually eat masses of paper and at times I
substitute regular meals for this vice. It has totally disrupted
my life and I am embarrassed to discuss this with anyone. I did
talk to my sister who stated that a physician she spoke with called
this disorder "PICA" behavior. But I cannot find any other
info on it. I am 40 and I have been plagued with this problem since
I was around 35. I also has this same problem when I was around
8 but as I got older it just disappeared. My stomach is messed up
my teeth are screwed and my intestinal tract, well, I'm afraid to
even think of what's going on there.
I don't know who to go to or where to get info on this. I am not
heavy but I am a medium - large frame 6'0 tall woman. I only weigh
5lbs more than I did at graduation from high school, but all of
my sisters have eating problems 4 are obese (even my fraternal twin)
and 1(one) went on a laxative binge so she is now so thin she looks
emaciated and unrecognizable and then there's me. I can carry weight
without anything being obvious but I am extremely concerned about
this. Because I see now where I have adjusted my entire life around
this behavior. I don't know what the root or stem of this problem
is and out of frustration I am looking for answers.
Anything at all that you can tell me would be truly appreciated.
Answer:
You are right to be concerned about your newspaper eating problem.
As your sister learned from a physician, eating non-food substances
is called Pica. There is not a great deal of information available
about Pica, even on the Internet. It is rare, and more commonly
found in children than adults. You seem to be experiencing a recurrence
of a behavior you recall from childhood.
Many medical problems can result from eating things that are not
meant to be eaten. You mention concern about your stomach, teeth
and intestines. I worry that the chemicals found in newspaper, such
as lead in the ink, may also be damaging in less obvious ways. It
is very important that you confide in a physician. Perhaps your
sister can support you in overcoming the discomfort of talking about
this issue. You need to know how your newspaper eating has effected
your health, and what other complications might arise.
Although your paper-eating just disappeared earlier in your life,
I urge you to seek the help of a psychotherapist in addressing this
problem. I think it would be best to work with someone who specializes
in eating disorders. The way you describe your eating problem indicates
that you have much in common with others struggling with eating
problems. You feel very embarrassed about your behavior, and both
the behavior itself and the need for secrecy are disrupting your
life. In addition there is a family history of focusing on food
and/or weight as a coping mechanism.
Your physician may recommend someone, or you can check with Renfrew
Center: Eating Disorders/Women's Mental Health , Treatment Locator
Service--Online Psych, or Treatment Resources for Eating Disorders.
In the context of a trusting relationship, a therapist can help
you discover source of your eating problem as well as support you
in risking change and developing alternative coping mechanisms.
Good luck in working on this.
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