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Medication:

Individuals with pica may need to take medication or antibiotics to help with infections or illnesses caused by the items they ingested. Medication may also be taken for mental reasons.

Surgery:

More severe cases of pica may lead the person to need surgery due to damage in the mouth or internal organs.

Therapy:

Working with professionals who are skilled in treating individuals with Pica.

At Home:

It is important for people who live with individuals who have pica to keep harmful items locked up and out of sight (or have none around the house at all) while they are being treated.

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“Mental Health and Pica.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-pica?scrlybrkr=84d7e125#1.

“Pica.” Edited by Mary L. Gavin, KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation, Apr. 2014, kidshealth.org/en/parents/pica.html.

Tracyn. “Eating Disorders: Pica.” HealthyPlace, Healthy Place, 2 Nov. 2011, www.healthyplace.com/eating-disorders/other-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-pica.

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-Pica is a type of eating disorder in which a person persistently ingests non-food items with no nutritional value.

-People with Pica may crave things like:
-Dirt
-Clay
-Soap
-Chalk
-Paper
-Sand
-Toothpaste
-Cigarette Ashes
-Glue
-Hair
-Feces
-etc...

-Pica must be diagnosed by a mental health professional. Before diagnosing the patient with pica, they will be given a mental and physical health evaluation. They will be tested for concerns such as anemia, infections, intestinal blockage, or toxicity from ingested items by using x-rays and blood tests. They may also keep track of the patient's eating habits and give them a stool test. They will then test for other mental illnesses that may have caused the person to develop pica, such as developmental disorders, OCD, or mental retardation. Symptoms of pica must be present for at least a month before the patient can be diagnosed.

-There is really no way to prevent pica besides watching eating habits and being aware of what children  are putting in their mouths, as it usually begins during childhood.

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-Developmental/ mental problems:

Individuals with developmental or mental disabilities are more likely to develop abnormal habits.

-Cravings:

Pregnant women may have cravings for items that are not considered food, thus leading them to develop pica. It may caused harm to the fetus in the womb. It could also continue after giving birth.

People may crave these items simply because they think they taste good or they like the texture.

-Dieting & Malnutrition:

Some people who diet may attempt to ease hunger by eating non-nutritional substances to get the feeling of fullness.

Pica is often seen in individuals living in poverty.

-Cultural Factors:

May be influenced by family, religion, or groups in with eating nonfood items is a learned practice.

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-Poisoning

Lead toxicity is the most common type associated with pica.

Poisoning can lead to brain damage and disabilities. It may also cause hematologic, endocrine, cardiovascular, and renal problems.

Could possibly cause a seizure, coma, or headache. It could also cause respiratory arrest or even death.

May harm fetuses in pregnant women.

-Infections

Individuals with pica may suffer from mild to severe infections.

In severe cases bacteria and parasites may cause infections and damage the liver and/ or kidneys.

-GI Tract Issues

Broken/ damaged teeth and cuts in the mouth.

Sharp objects may cause tears in the intestines and lining of the esophagus.

Constipation or blockage in the digestive tract.

Diarrhea.

May lead to life threatening complications.

-Nutrition Problems
Having pica may interfere with eating healthy foods. This may cause things like anemia and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.  It may also cause weight issues.