While there is not one known cause for the development of Pica, some individuals may be more at risk, including those with: However, Pica can affect anyone, of any age, gender, race, ethnicity, wealth, job status, sexual orientation, ability, neurodiversity, or body shape and size. In fact, studies estimate that less than 10% of children in the United States older than 12 years of age meet diagnostic criteria for Pica (Moline, et al., 2021). Pica is considered to be a relatively rare disorder but is most commonly seen in pregnant individuals and young children. ![]() These items can include, but are not limited to: According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Pica can be defined as a feeding or eating disorder that involves eating non-nutritive, non-food substances. , while children usually grow out of pica within a few months, people living with an intellectual disability could struggle with the disorder later in life.The word “pica” is Latin for magpie-a bird known for eating almost anything. ![]() In some instances, medications may be prescribed to address the associated condition causing the pica. , other interventions - like working with a mental health professional - may be introduced to help train behaviour away from feeling the need to ingest non-food items. Testing the blood for lead levels, using X-rays or other imaging techniques to examine what has been eaten, and examining stool samples can all be used to help determine how to treat pica. In many instances,įrom the patient’s diet and correcting that situation can solve the issue. Treatment for pica depends on what other factors are involved. People with diets severely lacking in zinc or iron may be more susceptible to developing the disorder as their body tries to correct the deficiency. This benchmark is particularly true for children, as putting foreign objects in their mouths now and then is a normal part of development. , 28 to 68 per cent of pregnant women experience pica and it is present in up to 10 per cent of people with a mental disability and 18.5 per cent of children.įor the behaviour to be diagnosed as pica, a person must show signs and experience symptoms for more than a month. ![]() ![]() While doctors don’t know exactly what causes pica, they do know that it tends to be more common in pregnant women, children, and people with an intellectual disability such as autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or schizophrenia. While lead poisoning (from eating paint chips), intestinal blockages or tears (from eating hard objects), injuries to teeth and various infections are more serious symptoms. (NEDA), the substances that people with pica consume can vary widely from person to person depending on age, availability and associated conditions, but may include paper, soap, cloth, hair, string, wool, soil, chalk, talcum powder, paint chips, gum, metal, pebbles, charcoal, cigarette ash, clay, starch, or ice.īlood in the stool, stomach pain and bowel problems are all Picaįrom the Latin word for magpie, pīca - a bird known for its habit of eating pretty much anything. Pica is an eating disorder where a person compulsively eats things that are not usually considered food or nutritious. But there is another clinically recognized eating disorder that is discussed far less often. When people think about eating disorders, they generally think of diseases like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder.
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