UK Woman, 39, Addicted To Eating Cement & Bricks, Calls It 'Comfort Blanket'

Pica is a rare eating disorder known for its  compulsive consumption of non-food items. This condition can manifest in various forms, leading individuals to ingest substances like dirt, chalk, and even metals. One of the most startling and severe cases has recently come to light, involving a 39-year-old British woman, Patrice Benjamin Ramgoolam, who has developed an addiction to eating cement and bricks.

Ramgoolam’s unusual addiction began when she was 18. Unlike most people who turn to food for comfort, Patrice found solace in the gritty texture and mineral taste of sand, bricks, and cement. Her consumption of these materials, which she refers to as her "comfort blanket," has evolved into a daily ritual that she struggles to control.

The Impact on Her Personal Life

Initially, she incorporated sand, cement, and brick fragments into her life as unconventional accessories, wearing them as earrings. Over time, her fascination with these materials evolved into a compulsion to consume them. While many people crave sweet, spicy, or savory foods, Ramgoolam developed a taste for the gritty texture and unusual flavor of these construction materials.

Ramgoolam kept her addiction concealed from her husband at the beginning of their marriage. Their romance, which began in school and eventually led to marriage, was initially unaffected by her secret. However, over time, Patrice's compulsion became impossible to hide. Her husband was shocked when he found out about her habit and begged her to stop. Despite his efforts, Patrice's addiction remained, showing Pica's powerful hold on an individual.

Understanding Pica

Ramgoolam's condition is identified as Pica, a disorder characterized by the consumption of non-food items. Individuals with Pica may crave a variety of substances, ranging from soil to chalk, and, in Ramgoolam's case, cement and bricks. This condition, while rare, poses significant health risks, including digestive complications, toxicity, and nutritional deficiencies.

Medical professionals, including Ramgoolam’s doctor, have strongly advised her to discontinue this dangerous habit. She has been prescribed medications aimed at reducing her compulsion, but the effectiveness of these treatments has been limited. 

Pica is often linked to underlying psychological conditions such as stress, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The disorder can serve as a coping mechanism for individuals facing significant emotional or psychological distress. In Ramgoolam's case, her consumption of cement and bricks might be connected with deeper psychological needs that are not being addressed through conventional treatment methods.

Socially, Pica can lead to isolation and stigma. Individuals with this disorder may feel embarrassed or ashamed, leading them to hide their behaviors from others. Ramgoolam's initial secrecy about her addiction highlights the social challenges associated with Pica.