PICA

 Basic information

description

Pica is a craving, eating, or mouthing items that are not food. Pica can occur in adults, but usually affects children between ages 2 and 6, and persons with developmental disorders. Pica does not apply to infants 18 months to 2 years old who “put everything” in the mouth. That is normal.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Eating non-food substances, such as starch, clay, ice, plaster, paint, cigarette ashes, hair, gravel, chalk, needles, string, pencil erasers, and others.
• Stomach pain (sometimes).

causes

The exact cause is unknown. Factors that may contribute to the cause include physical, emotional, nutritional, family, social, economic, and cultural factors.

risk increases with

• Family history of pica.
• Poor nutrition or a vitamin deficiency.
• Poverty.
• Developmental disorders.
• Anemia.
• Pregnancy.
• Cultures where clay eating is a common practice.
• People on diets who try to ease hunger with non-food items.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

There are no specific preventive measures. To reduce risks, provide a well-balanced diet for yourself and your children.

expected outcomes

• It may go on for years with no harmful effects.
• It may stop on its own in a few months.
• In some cases, it can be helped with treatment.
• For others, it may continue (even with treatment) into the teenage years. This occurs more often with developmental disorders.
• Pica during pregnancy usually ends with childbirth.

possible complications

• Lead poisoning from paint or plaster.
• Intestinal infections from parasites in soil.
• Anemia.
• Malnutrition (not getting enough nutrients).
• Intestinal obstruction.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will usually do a physical exam. Medical tests may include blood studies, x-rays, and other tests to rule out medical disorders. There is no diagnostic test for pica.
• Treatment usually includes behavior and diet changes, if needed. Several different types of behavioral training are used to treat pica. Your health care provider will discuss the options with you depending on your individual situation.
• Childproof your home by removing non-food substances the child is eating. Repaint homes in which lead-based paints have been used. Don't use older baby cribs painted with lead-based paint.

medications

Drugs are usually not needed for this disorder.

activity

No limits.

diet

A well-balanced diet will be prescribed. A dietitian may help plan meals if any nutritional deficiency is diagnosed.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of pica.
• You are pregnant and have symptoms of pica.
• Pica does not improve in 2 weeks, despite treatment.

Special Notes: