Contents
Pica is a psychological disorder characterized by an appetite for non-nutritive substances.
- Common problem in children < 5 yr of age
DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition)
- Patient must have been eating non-nutritive non-foods for at least one month.
- This eating must be considered abnormal for the person’s stage of development.
- Eating these substances cannot be associated with a cultural practice that is considered normal in the social context of the individual.
- For people who currently have a medical condition (e.g.: pregnancy) or a mental disorder (e.g.: autism spectrum disorder) the action of eating non-nutritive non-foods should only be considered pica if it is dangerous and requires extra medical investigation or treatment on top of what they are already receiving for their pre-existing condition.
Aetiology
- Factors speculated to predispose to pica:
- Mental retardation
- Psychosocial stress (maternal deprivation, parental neglect and abuse)
- Other behavioral disorders
Complications
- Intestinal obstruction
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Poisoning
- Parasitosis
Management
- Behaviour modification
- Alleviating psychosocial stress (if present)
- Iron deficiency:
- Iron supplementation