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PICA

What is “Pica”? “Pica” is basically an eating disorder. Usually, a person eats only standard edible items such as fruits, bread, milk, etc. In “Pica”, the child eats non-edible items such as wool, clay, soap, paint, earth, ashes, etc. If this feature has lasted for over a month, then medically it is termed as “Pica”. Which children are more likely to have this eating disorder? Children with malnutrition, specific nutritional deficiencies (e.g. calcium, zinc, and iron), and children who are facing neglect or are in the poor family environments are more likely to be affected. It is likely to be more common in children with intellectual disability, autism, and schizophrenia. Therefore, a proper assessment of the child is important. How can I confirm that my child suffers from pica? There is no confirmatory test such as a blood test or X-ray, etc. The diagnosis is made on certain criteria. These include 1. The child must have been eating these non-nutritive non-food items for over a month. 2.The eating must be abnormal for the child’s age and level of development (it may be a normal situation for an infant or toddler to mouth items that come to its grasp). Minimum age of 2 years is mentioned for the same reason. 3. The eating should not be associated with any culturally accepted practice, My colleague’s 13-year-old daughter scrapes off paint from the walls and chews that. What should they do? This will require a good evaluation of the child. Deficiencies of iron, vitamin D, calcium, and zinc need to be excluded, or even a trial of these medications may be given. Behavioural and psychological assessment will have to be done, and relevant intervention and counselling may be required. In most situations, counselling does help. Are there any medicines or specific treatments for this condition? Any deficiency disorders, particularly iron deficiency must be treated and any mental issues evaluated and treated likewise. Any family issues such as parental discordance, etc. should also be addressed. What can I, as a mother, do to help my child get rid of this habit? Apart from following your paediatrician’s advice, please give your child good nutritious food from your regular family bowl. Avoid any negative impacts on the child’s brain and psyche (parents quarrelling, other members of the family shouting at each other, bad-mouthing others in their absence). The family environment needs to be conducive to the proper mental development of the child.