Pica behaviors in schizophrenia: a call for further research

Abstract

Pica as a scavenging behavior represents a serious health hazard to the care of patients with schizophrenia. Despite the rare comorbidity of pica eating disorder and schizophrenia, pica behaviors are relatively common in this group of patients (1.5% vs. 14.3%). The risk of multiple clinical problems such as electrolyte disturbances, intestinal obstruction, and heavy metal poisoning has made pica behaviors an important research topic in patients with schizophrenia. However, few studies have examined the etiology, mechanisms, and treatment of pica behaviors in schizophrenia. This letter is a call for further research into discovering the biopsychopathology of these major clinical manifestations among patients with schizophrenia.