Pica
Pica training raises your team’s awareness of pica and polydipsia: why they happen, the health risks, and practical strategies to keep people safe, alongside the main eating disorders. Delivered on-site by our experienced trainers.
About the course
Understand pica and polydipsia, their risks and how to support people
By the end of the course, delegates will:
- Know what an eating disorder is and the main types
- Know what pica is and the kinds of items people may eat
- Be aware of the health risks of pica and when to get medical advice
- Recognise possible causes of pica
- Understand the reasons behind pica: social attention, getting a favourite item, escaping a situation and sensory feedback
- Know how pica is assessed, including health checks, functional assessment and recording charts
- Know practical strategies that reduce pica, including a pica box, discrimination training and safe alternatives
- Know what polydipsia is and the difference between primary and secondary polydipsia
- Be aware of the risks of polydipsia, including hyponatraemia, and how it is diagnosed and managed
- Understand recovery and how to support someone, including managing relapses
What you’ll cover
Full course content
Everything the course covers, exactly as our trainers deliver it:
Eating disorders
- What is an eating disorder?
- Statistics
- Anorexia nervosa
- Bulimia nervosa
- Binge eating disorder
- OSFED
- Orthorexia
Pica
- What is pica?
- Risks
- When to get medical advice
- Causes
Behaviour of concern with pica
- Social attention
- Getting a favourite item or activity
- Escaping an activity or situation
- Sensory feedback
Assessing pica
- Health checks
- Functional assessment
- Recording charts and behaviour support plans
- Analogue assessment
Strategies for pica
- Strategies for each reason
- Alternative oral stimulation
- Discrimination training
- The pica box
- Why aversive techniques are no longer acceptable
Polydipsia
- What is polydipsia?
- Primary and secondary polydipsia
- Polydipsia and learning disabilities
- Risks, including hyponatraemia
- Diagnosis
- Treatment and monitoring
Recovery and support
- Medical therapy
- Recovery
- Talking to people they trust
- Peer support
- Managing relapses
- Other people’s comments
- Difficult times of year
- Staying safe online
Keep exploring
Related courses
These subjects sit naturally alongside this course — and we can combine courses into one visit.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Where is the training delivered?
All of our training is delivered on-site at your service, anywhere in the UK — we come to you, so there are no travel costs or venue hire for your team. This course is theory-based, so we can also deliver it virtually over Zoom if that suits your team better.
How long is the Pica course?
It runs as a half day – 3 hours course, delivered in one visit unless stated otherwise.
How many delegates can attend?
Up to 15 delegates per session.
Do delegates receive a certificate?
Yes — every delegate receives a certificate on completion. We recommend refreshing every two years.
How much does the course cost?
We price every course on application, based on your dates, location and delegate numbers. Use the contact buttons below — we reply quickly with a quote.
Can we combine courses into one visit?
Yes. Many clients build a full training day from shorter courses, and we can deliver several subjects in one visit — just tell us what your team needs.
Do you only train care providers?
No. This course suits care & nursing homes, home care & domiciliary, supported living, day services, hospices. If your sector isn’t listed, ask — we’ll tailor the course to your setting.
Book this course
We bring Pica training to your service
Delivered on-site at your service, nationwide, with pricing on application. Tell us your dates and delegate numbers and we’ll reply quickly with a quote.
Part of our mental health training range. Also explore behaviour management training and neurological training.