![]() ![]() In addition to poisoning, a much greater risk exists of gastrointestinal obstruction or tearing in the stomach. A similar risk exists from eating soil near roads that existed before the phase-out of tetraethyllead or that were sprayed with oil (to settle dust) contaminated by toxic PCBs or dioxin. Children eating painted plaster containing lead may develop brain damage from lead poisoning. Pica is most commonly seen in pregnant women, small children, and people who may have developmental disabilities such as autism. Stressors such as psychological trauma, maternal deprivation, family issues, parental neglect, pregnancy, and a disorganized family structure are risk factors for pica. Pica has been linked to other mental disorders. In addition, it can cause surgical emergencies to address intestinal obstructions, as well as more subtle symptoms such as nutritional deficiencies and parasitosis. Pica may lead to intoxication in children, which can result in an impairment of both physical and mental development. Īccording to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), pica as a standalone eating disorder must persist for more than one month at an age when eating such objects is considered developmentally inappropriate, not part of culturally sanctioned practice, and sufficiently severe to warrant clinical attention. The term was drawn directly from the medieval Latin word for magpie, a bird subject to much folklore regarding its opportunistic feeding behaviors. The ingested or craved substance may be biological, natural or manmade. It can be a disorder in itself or medical phenomena. Taking care of the problem now can help prevent future complications.ĭo you think your child may have pica? Have you known children with the disorder? How did it affect them? If you think your child may have pica, consult an expert at the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.Pica is the eating or craving of things that are not food. The good news: Most cases of pica eventually resolve over time as a child ages. For instance, you should discuss appropriate and inappropriate food substances and may need to restrict access to cabinets with childproof locks. Your child’s doctor may also refer you to a mental health specialist and will work with you to help prevent and manage pica. The behavior is inappropriate for your child’s age or developmental stage (he or she is older than 18 to 24 months).ĭuring an evaluation, the doctor will likely conduct a physical examination, run blood tests to check for anemia and other nutritional deficiencies, and screen for lead and other toxic substances.The behavior is persistent and lasts longer than one month.Your child regularly consumes non-food materials, even when you try to restrict access to them.The following signs can help you determine if a doctor’s appointment is warranted: For these reasons, it’s important to contact your child’s physician if you think he or she has pica. If your child consumes items such as paint chips that contain lead or other toxic chemicals, he or she may be at higher risk for poisoning and brain damage. Infection from bacteria, parasites, or other microbes in dirt.Pica can have dangerous complications, including: ![]() It appears to have a behavioral basis, although some children may eat dirt or other substances because they are deficient in certain nutrients, such as iron or zinc. Some, but not all, kids with it also have another condition, such as: The behavior must persist for at least one month to be categorized as the disorder. Simply sampling paste once during a kindergarten art class doesn’t mean your child has pica. (The word is derived from the Latin for “magpie”-a bird with a large and indiscriminate appetite.) A child may eat dirt (a subset of pica known as geophagy), as well as substances such as: By definition, pica involves the regular consumption of anything that isn’t a food or beverage. ![]()
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