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Pica
Pica is the eating of items generally regarded as inedible, for example soil, paint, and paper. It is often associated with other behavior problems. Cases should be investigated carefully because some are due to brain damage, or autism, or mental retardation. Some are associated with emotional distress, which should be reduced if possible.
Otherwise, treatment consists of common-sense precautions to keep the child away from the abnormal items of diet. Pica usually diminishes as the child grows older. For a review of the history of ideas about pica see Parry-Jones and Parry-Jones (1992).
Facts and Tips about Pica eating disorder
- Pica is an eating disorder which involves consumption of non food substances for at least one month.
- Pica eating disorder is most common in young children, pregnant women and person having epilepsy, developmental disabilities and mental retardation.
- People eat non food item such as dirt, clay, soil, sand, soap, paper, plaster, chalk, hair, feces, leaves, laundry starch, cigarette butts, coal, light bulbs, wire, pencil erasers etc.
- Complications associated with pica eating disorder are lead poisoning, iron-deficiency anemia, intestinal perforation, malnutrition, dental injury or abdominal problems.
- Nutritional insufficiency, malnutrition, stress, lack of care, developmental delay, poverty, cultural aspect and anemia increases the risk for pica eating disorder but root cause is still unknown.
- Psychological treatment, counseling or talk therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, nutritional education, supplements or medicines are helpful in treatment.
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