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Pica Eating Disorder

There are many different types of eating disorders present in the world today, but one of the lesser known eating disorders is that of the Pica.

Pica eating disorder is typically defined as the persistent eating of nonnutritive substances for a period of at least one month at an age in which this type of behavior is developmentally inappropriate, for example a toddler. The pica eating disorder definition is occasionally broadened in order to include the mouthing of non-nutritive substances as well.

Pica can include the ingesting of many different substances, such as: clay, dirt, sand, stones, pebbles, hair, feces, lead, laundry starch, pencil erasers, ice, fingernails, paper, paint chips, coal, wood, plaster, light bulbs, needles, and string for example.

This disorder is considered as being a serious behavioral problem in that it can result in significant medical sequelae. It has also shown to be a truly predisposing factor in regards to accidental ingestion of things such as poisons, particularly in reference to lead poisoning.

In the United States the prevalence of this eating disorder is unknown because the disorder is often unrecognized and underreported; as well, studies have shown that children with mental retardation and autism are affected more frequently than children without these conditions. In fact, this eating disorder is relatively common among those individuals with mental retardation.

Pica eating disorder is present throughout the world, and lead toxicity is the most commonly reported type of poisoning in regards to this disorder. Ingestion of high doses of lead can cause that of significant intellectual impairment as well as behavioral and learning problems. Studies have also shown that neuropsychologic dysfunction and deficits in neurologic development can in fact result from very low lead levels, even levels that were once believed to be safe.

Remember that treatment is available for all types of eating disorders, including this one, so if you or someone you know has or may have this eating disorder, you should seek immediate help.