![]() Persistent eating of substances that are not food and do not provide nutritional value.Speak confidentially with a counselor right now by calling (888) 837-6577. If you suspect you or someone you love has Pica, we can help. Although it is most frequently observed in children, Pica can occur in adults. Depending on the substances ingested, pica can be fatal. REMEMBER if your child ever consumes a harmful substance, seek medical care immediately.Pica is an eating disorder that involves a person eating items not typically thought of as food and which contain no significant nutritional value-things such as hair, dirt, and paint chips.Ī newer condition, only recently recognized as an eating disorder by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM), Pica sufferers at an increased risk of poisoning, infections, injuries and nutrition deficiencies. They may also discuss any signs of autism and intellectual impairment, and possibly do a blood test to check for mineral deficiencies.ĭepending on the duration and severity of your kids pica disorder, they may look to refer your child to a paediatrician or child psychiatrist or psychologist. They will look into possible causes or triggers and evidence of any harm that’s been done so far. If you think your kids may have pica discorder consult your GP as soon as possible. faeces, ice, glue, hair, buttons, paperĪlthough consumption of particular items may be harmless, pica discorder is considered to be a serious eating disorder that can sometimes result in serious health problems, infection and intestinal blockages.įortunately, in most cases, it seems pica disorder is usually a temporary condition that improves as kids get older.laundry powder, baking soda, coffee grounds.Some of the more common cravings include: Young kids with pica disorder frequently crave and consume non-food items. However certain conditions and situations can increase a child's risk for instance nutritional deficiencies in zinc or iron, developmental problems and mental health conditions. Unfortunately there is currently no one conclusive reason as to why pica happens or why it occurs in different children for different reasons. Girls and boys seem to be equally affected. It appears most commonly amongst young children between the ages of 2 and 3 and in people with developmental disabilities, including autism and mental retardation. However it’s thought that between 10% - 30% of kids aged 1 to 6 years have the eating disorder. There is no single test that confirms pica and it often goes unreported. ![]() However after this age, repeatedly eating non-foods is generally considered abnormal. It’s not uncommon for young kids under 18 months or so to put everything into their mouths as they explore the world around them. ![]() ![]() Hence pica disorder is characterised by persistent and compulsive cravings (lasting 1 month or longer) to eat non-food items. The word ‘pica’ comes from the Latin word for magpie, a bird that is reputed for its unusual eating behaviours and known to eat almost anything! Pica disorder in young kids What is pica disorder? We take a look at pica disorder and how eating non-foods can affect young kids. Would you know if your kids have pica disorder?ĭo you know what to look for? Or what causes it? ![]()
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