Pica

About Pica

Pica is an eating disorder characterized by a pattern of eating non-food items such as:

Dirt or clay
Ice
Glue
Leaves
Insects
Paint
Sand
Animal waste

Pica affects children more often than adults, with 10 to 32 percent of kids ages 1 to 6 displaying these behaviors. Pregnant women are also at greater risk of developing pica.

What Causes Pica?

Pica may be caused by nutritional deficiencies (such as a lack of iron or zinc) or malnourishment, though scientists are still uncertain of the exact cause. Other possible causes include:

Developmental delay
Poverty
Emotional deprivation or neglect
Anemia

The Effects of Pica

Pica should never be ignored. Ingesting materials that were not intended as food can lead to serious medical issues such as:

Infections
Lead poisoning
Intestinal obstruction or perforation

Treating Pica

While some people struggle with pica for several months and then stop showing signs of the disorder, others struggle well into adolescence and adulthood and require treatment to overcome this dangerous eating behavior. Treatment for pica typically includes:

Medical assessments and care
Therapy
Medication
Mild aversion therapy and positive reinforcement

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