People practicing forms of pica, such as geophagy, pagophagy, and amylophagy, (soil, ice, or starches) are more likely anemic, have low hemoglobin concentration in their blood, lower levels of red blood cells (hematocrit), or have lower plasma zinc levels. CausesĪccording to the DSM-5, mineral deficiencies are occasionally associated with pica, but biological abnormalities are rarely found. You can view the transcript for “What Is Pica? | Eating Disorders” here (opens in new window). Watch this video to review the basic symptoms and characteristics of pica, potential causes and risk factors, and treatment basics in children and adults. Pica can also be found in animals such as dogs and cats. ![]() ![]() Another risk of eating soil is the ingestion of animal feces and accompanying parasites. 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. Ĭhildren eating painted plaster containing lead may suffer brain damage from lead poisoning. Pica is most commonly seen in pregnant women, small children, iron- and zinc-deficient children, malnourished children, and people with intellectual disabilities. Stressors such as emotional trauma, maternal deprivation, family issues, parental neglect, pregnancy, and a disorganized family structure are strongly linked to pica as a form of comfort. Pica has been linked to other mental and emotional disorders. In addition, it may 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. xylophagia (wood or derivates of wood such as paper)Īccording to the DSM-5 criteria, for these actions to be considered pica, they must persist for more than one month at an age when eating such objects is considered developmentally inappropriate, not part of a culturally sanctioned practice, and sufficiently severe to warrant clinical attention.trichophagia (hair, wool, and other fibers). ![]() Consuming non-nutritional substances like rocks can lead to surgical emergencies. read more from eating paint chips, or a parasitic infection Overview of Parasitic Infections A parasite is an organism that lives on or inside another organism (the host) and benefits (for example, by getting nutrients) from the host at the host's expense. Children are particularly susceptible because their nervous system is still developing. read more, lead poisoning Lead Poisoning Lead poisoning affects many parts of the body, including the brain, nerves, kidneys, liver, and blood. read more, blockages in the digestive tract Intestinal Obstruction An obstruction of the intestine is a blockage that completely stops or seriously impairs the passage of food, fluid, digestive secretions, and gas through the intestines. However, sometimes what they eat causes complications, such as constipation Constipation in Adults Constipation is difficult or infrequent bowel movements, hard stool, or a feeling that the rectum is not totally empty after a bowel movement (incomplete evacuation). Usually, what people with pica eat does not harm them.
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