1. Pica and Related Disorders
By: Rhonda Barlow-Glynn County

2. Pica AN EATING DISORDER IN WHICH NON-NUTRITIONAL OBJECTS ARE EATEN
COMES FROM THE LATIN WORD FOR MAGPIE- A BIRD WHICH WILL EAT ANYTHING

3. Most Prevalent In
Children ages 1-6
Pregnant women
Certain cultures
Mentally deficient

4. Persons with Pica Tend to Eat
Clay
Dirt
Animal Feces
Chalk
Ice
Hairballs
Paint or Paint chips
Sand

5. Possible Causes Nutrient deficiencies- especially iron and zinc Stress
OCD- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Developmental disorders
Mental disorders

6. Treatment
Begins with checking for and correcting nutrient deficiencies.
May need to include behavioral or emotional treatments.

7. Amylophagia Eating purified starch (laundry or cornstarch)
Cause-usually due to a lack of iron or zinc.

8. Most Prevalent In Pregnant Women African American Women
Children under three
Persons with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
Certain cultures or religious traditions
Those with mental disabilities

9. Complications Iron deficiency anemia Infection Malnutrition
A hard mass could develop in the abdomen

10. Geophagia Eating earth or soil like substances such as clay or chalk.
Causes:
Usually due to inadequate diet
Mineral deficiency
May be part of a cultural tradition

11. Most Prevalent In
Africa- Pregnant women eat clay to relieve nausea and provide calcium.
Haiti- Clay is made into cookies called “bon bon de terres” in an attempt to supplement the diet when there is little food.

12. Pagophagia Excessive eating of ice Causes:
Iron deficiency anemia
Low zinc
Ice may relieve pain due to Glossitis
Glossitis is inflammation of the tongue due to iron deficiency anemia.

13. Check for and treat iron deficiency anemia and/or low zinc levels.
Treatment
Check for and treat iron deficiency anemia and/or low zinc levels.

14. Lead poisoning due to the consumption of lead paint
Plumbism
Lead poisoning due to the consumption of lead paint

15. May Cause In children: Anemia Severe stomachache Muscle weakness
Brain damage
In adults:
Infertility
Increased blood pressure
Nerve disorders
Muscle/joint pain