Pica
Causes and Risks:
Pica is seen more in young children than adults, with 10 to 32% of children age one to six years old affected. It also occurs in mentally retarded persons.
Pica can occur during pregnancy. In some cases, a specific nutritional deficiency such as iron deficiency anemia can be identified. Some cases occur in people with severe psychiatric conditions. In others, no cause can be identified.
Prevention:
There is no specific prevention. Adequate nutrition may be helpful.
Symptoms:
Pica is the eating of non-food substances. Clay, dirt, ice, starch, animal feces, paint, and hairballs are just a few examples of what children with pica have been known to eat.
Signs and Tests:
There is no single test that confirms pica. However, since pica is associated with abnormal indexes, and in some cases malnutrition , several tests may be performed. Serum levels of iron and zinc should be taken . Hemoglobin should also be checked to test for anemia.
Treatment:
Treatment emphasizes psychosocial, environmental, and family guidance approaches. Other successful treatments have been mild aversion therapy followed by positive reinforcement.
Prognosis:
Treatment success varies.
Complications:
- malnutrition
- bezoar
- intestinal obstruction
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with the health care provider if you notice that a child (or adult) has a persistent tendency to eat non-nutritive substances.
