Pica occurs in children of all ages, in pregnant women, and in the developmentally disabled. Pica is defined as the continued appetite for non-nutritive items long after the age when this would be developmentally appropriate.
Some of the items consumed by those suffering from pica include:
- Coal
- Soil
- Feces
- Chalk
- Paper
- Soap
- Ash
- Grout
- Concrete
- Sand
- Clay
- Blood
- GlassHair
- Wool
- Urine
- Wood
- Paint chips
- Laundry starch
- Baking soda
- Coffee grounds
- Cigarette butts
- Glue
- Paper
- Soap
- Light bulbs
- Wires
- Flour
- Raw potato
- Ice cubes
Pica can be extremely dangerous in children, especially children who eat paint or plaster containing lead, or who consume dirt that has been near gasoline, oil, or animal feces. Pica often results in bowel problems, intestinal obstructions, dental injuries and parasitic infections. Parents of children who suffer from pica should always have the number for the Poison Control Center available for emergencies.
Causes of Pica
The exact causes of pica are mostly unknown. It occurs in equal numbers for both boys and girls. It is more commonly observed during the first three years of life. It is known that those suffering from mental disorders including autism, mental retardation, schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorder more commonly suffer from pica.
Other known causes of pica can be iron deficiencies and zinc deficiencies, although not everyone who lacks these nutrients suffers from pica. Pica is also found in children living in poverty with a higher lack of supervision and parental neglect. Pica sometimes occurs in pregnant women and diminishes at the end of the pregnancy. Rarely, the ingestion of soil or starch may be culturally based and supported.
Treatment of Pica
Treatment of pica requires a well-rounded approach including physical, psychological, environmental, and family assistance. First, a child should undergo medical screening for anemia, lead poisoning, and parasites. The child and his parents can then work in behavioral counseling on learning the difference between food and non-food items, protecting oneself against eating offensive items by placing lemon or ammonia on the item, or learning to be physically restrained during cravings. Behavioral counseling with a psychologist can assist the parents in guiding their children to associate negative consequences with eating non-food products, and positive reactions when eating normally. Parents may also want to use child-safety locks and high shelving to keep non-food items away from their child. A psychiatrist may be able to assist by prescribing medications to reduce the eating behavior if it is a result of a developmental disorder. In extreme cases, a social worker may be necessary to assist in evaluating any environmental situations that would be encouraging the pica.
Pica is a disorder that commonly affects children, pregnant women, and the developmentally disabled. It can be life-threatening when it results in the consumption of a deadly non-food item. Those who suffer from pica require a multi-disciplined approach to treat this disorder. In some cases, extreme measures must be taken to ensure the health of the pica sufferer.
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Abby Deliz - Abby Deliz pursued writing extensively through high school and college, and she was published several times. Most notably, she published ...
