Pica resident survival guide
Overview
Pica is defined as the compulsive craving for or eating non-nutritive or non-food substances for at least a period of one month[1]. Pica maybe a part of a cultural phenomenon, during childhood, in persons or children who are mentally disabled or even in pregnancy. Iron deficiency anemia is also an important cause of pica. Pica is treated by a multifocal approach which includes reduction of cravings, addressing the social and emotional issues faced by the individual and treating the anemia if present.
Causes
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pica is summarised in the algorithm below.
Management
Do's
Dont's
- ↑ Leung AKC, Hon KL (2019). "Pica: A Common Condition that is Commonly Missed - An Update Review". Curr Pediatr Rev. 15 (3): 164–169. doi:10.2174/1573396315666190313163530. PMID 30868957.