Freaky Friday: Pica Disorder
Pica Disorder is a fairly common disorder among children. As many as of children will put nonfood items in their mouth at some time. Kids are naturally curious and the mouth is a natural way to sensory explore.
Children who have pica go way beyond exploration and %25 to %35 of children have the eating disorder pica, which is described as “persistent and compulsive cravings to put nonfood items into their mouth”.
My oldest son had symptoms of having pica and would pick up dirt, garbage on the sidewalk, sticks, anything left laying on the floor, soap, etc. and put the items in his mouth. He once put a rusty nail in his mouth when we were visiting him at his orphanage.
Pica is most common with children who have developmental disabilities such as autism, with children who have brain injuries, and in children who have special needs. It can also be common in pregnant women.
It can be dangerous and lead to lead poisoning.
WHY do people have Pica?
In my son’s case it was simply an issue of 1. nutritional deficiency. He was lacking almost ALL of his nutrients and craved iron and zinc.
2. dieting
3. malnutrition
4. special needs
5. pregnancy
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