Substances Eaten in Pica
Substances that a person with pica might eat include the following:- Clay or soil
- Paint chips
- Leaves
- String
- Hair
- Sand
- Pebbles
- Animal droppings
- Chalk
- Burned match heads or cigarette butts
- Rust
- Library paste
- Cornstarch, laundry starch, or baking soda
- Light bulbs
- Pencil erasers
Adolescents and adults more commonly ingest clay or soil. Older children might eat sand, pebbles, or leaves. Younger children and infants normally choose plaster, string, or paint.
Who Gets Pica?
Pica is most often found in children--most commonly children between one and three years of age. Estimates of the percentage of children who have pica at some point in their lives range from 10% to 33%.
Older persons can develop pica as well. Among adults, it is common in pregnant women, particularly those in their first pregnancy in late adolescence. The disorder occurs more frequently in those with psychiatric or developmental problems.
Also, individuals living in difficult socioeconomic conditions are more likely to have pica. This can be due to malnutrition, lack of adequate supervision, or both.
Causes of Pica
A common assumption is that people eat these substances to make up for deficiencies in their diets, a thought supported by the finding that some pregnant women stopped struggling with pica when they were given iron supplements. However, other factors can be at work as well.
Notably, those who diet may try to fill their stomachs with no-calorie substances to satisfy cravings.
Some cultures believe that ingesting certain substances can help them "incorporate magical spirits into their bodies." In other cases, certain kids of clay are assumed to be helpful for treating morning sickness. And some children may eat non-food substances to imitate a pet.
Dangers of Pica
Though pica is common and often harmless, it can be very dangerous. There are several potential problems associated with pica:
- Eating something toxic (e.g., lead poisoning)
- Infections
- Presence of parasites
- Blockage of the intestines or other gastrointestinal problems
Treatment
Treatment may involve several kinds of professionals, depending on the reasons for the disorder and the symptoms. A doctor will be necessary for physical problems caused by pica. If there are socioeconomic issues involved, a social worker may be able to provide guidance that alleviates underlying problems. Finally, if psychological issues are present, a therapist or psychiatrist is helpful.
Sources:
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. American Psychiatric Association; Washington, D.C.: 1994.
Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc. "Pica." Formerly at http://www.anred.com/pica.html (link now defunct). 2005. Accessed 6 January 2007.
Ellis CR and Schnoes CJ. "Eating Disorder: Pica." 2006. Accessed 8 January 2007.
