The doctor may also ask for a psychological evaluation to determine if the child has some mental health condition. For example, if a child is diagnosed with iron-deficiency anaemia, the doctor may recommend regular administration of iron supplements. If a doctor diagnoses that pica in a child is being caused by nutrient imbalances or deficiency, he/she may prescribe vitamin or mineral supplements. But pica can last for years, especially in people who have intellectual disabilities.Ĭhildren usually outgrow the pica disorder, especially if they are regularly taught about the difference between edible and non-edible items and objects. If a nutritional deficiency is causing pica, treating it should ease the symptoms. In children and pregnant women, pica often goes away in a few months without treatment. In these cases, eating non-food items may help promote a feeling of fullness. Dieting and malnourishment can both lead to pica. People with certain mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder may develop pica as a coping mechanism. In some cases, a deficiency in iron, zinc or another nutrient may be associated with pica.
People with pica crave and eat non-food items such as dirt, clay, rocks, paper, ice, crayons, hair, paint chips, chalk, eggshells, and even faeces (poop) of any kind. It occurs most often in children and pregnant women and is usually a temporary condition.
The act or habit of eating things that are not food is called pica.
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