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Among the inappropriate substances eaten are hair, cloth, paint, plaster, string, sand, and even insects and animal droppings. A diagnosis is warranted only if the behavior is developmentally inappropriate and not part of a strange (to Americans) cultural practice. Children who eat these items typically also eat normal foods. Children
who receive this diagnosis may also have Mental
Retardation or a Pervasive
Developmental Disorder; they should receive a separate diagnosis
of Pica only if the eating disorder is severe enough to demand
independent attention. Symptoms of Pica may appear as soon as the
child is able to move about independently. Fortunately, Pica is rare
and often decreases in severity as the individual gets older.
However, some non-nutritive items are poisonous or can lead to
obstructions in the digestive tract; thus the disorder can be
dangerous and should receive medical attention. Last updated 12/19/03 |
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