In these instances, the child may also display abnormal behaviors such as using strange language, engaging in strange play, or having relationship issues with other peers. If nutritional deficits and lead exposure are ruled out, then pica is likely brought on by emotional distress. More recently, cases of pica have been tied to the obsessive-compulsive spectrum, and a move has arisen to consider OCD as the cause of pica. Additionally, children and pregnant women may be more likely to have anemia or low hemoglobin relative to the general population. Practicing pagophagy and amylophagy is more highly associated with anemia.

Specifically, practicing geophagy is more likely to be associated with anemia or low hemoglobin. 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.

Pica disorder length to diagnosis