Pica

This is a habit disorder involving repeated or chronic ingestion of non-edible substances such as wall plaster, clay, paint, wool, ashes and earth etc. This habit usually starts at age of 1-2 years. Tasting or mouthing of strange objects is normal in infants and toddlers and persistence of pica after 2 years of age requires investigations.

Causes

This habit disorder is a manifestation of parental neglect, poor supervision and lack of affection. Lack of parental nutritional nurturing is also a predisposing factor. Pica is more prevalent in lower socio-economic strata and at times in malnourished and mentally subnormal children.

Treatment

Children with pica are at increased risk of lead poisoning and parasitic infection. There is no specific treatment for pica. Iron preparations are often prescribed but their usefulness in effecting a cure/improvement is doubtful.