Pica
Many young children put nonfood items in their mouths at one time or another. They're naturally curious about their environment, and they may, for instance, eat some dirt out of the sandbox. Kids with pica, however, go beyond this innocent exploration of their surroundings. As many as 25% to 30% of kids (and 20% of those seen in mental health clinics) have an eating disorder called pica, which is characterized by persistent and compulsive cravings (lasting 1 month or longer) to eat nonfood items.
About Pica
The word pica comes from the Latin word for magpie, a bird known for its large and indiscriminate appetite.
Pica is most common in people with developmental disabilities, including lead poisoning and malnutrition, especially in underdeveloped countries, where people with pica most commonly eat soil or clay
cultural factors — in families, religions, or groups in which eating nonfood substances is a learned practice
parental neglect, lack of supervision, or food deprivation — often seen in children living in poverty
developmental problems, such as mental retardation, autism, other developmental disabilities, or brain abnormalities
mental health conditions, such as diarrhea, increase salivation, remove toxins, and alter odor or taste perception. Some people claim to enjoy the taste and texture of dirt or clay, and eat it as part of a daily habit (much like smoking is a daily routine for others). And some psychological theories explain pica as a behavioral response to household chemicals and stool testing for parasites. In some cases, X-rays or other imaging may be helpful to identify what was eaten or to look for bowel problems, such as an obstruction.
Fortunately, pica is usually a temporary condition that improves as kids get older or following pregnancy. But for individuals with developmental or mental health issues, pica can be a more prolonged concern.
Following treatment, if your child's pica behavior continues beyond several weeks despite attempts to intervene, contact your doctor again for additional treatment. Remember that patience is key in treating pica because it can take time for some kids to stop wanting to eat nonfood items.
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Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment,
consult your doctor.
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