Pica is an eating disorder. As uncommon as pica may seem it is actually a quite common eating disorder. Pica often affects children especially those with developmental disorders such as autism. Pica may also affect women during pregnancy. Pica disorder is characterized by cravings and consumption of unusual non-edible substances. Pica can present a danger if toxic substances are consumed. The most likely cause of pica disorder is a chemical deficiency such as a lack of iron. Learn identify the signs of pica disorder.
Instructions
1. Observe whether your child exhibits the urge to eat unusual substances such as dirt, clay, paint chips, paste, cigarette ashes, glue, coffee grounds or other items that would normally be considered non-edible.
2. Monitor your child's behavior. How long has your child been craving non-edible substances? It is important to know how long your child has been exhibiting such behavior in order to properly diagnose pica disorder. The unusual eating behavior must be repetitive and it must last longer than one month in order to be considered pica disorder.
3. Take your child's age into consideration when identifying pica disorder. It is not unusual for children under the age of two years old to try to eat non-edible substances. In fact, many children under the age of two tend to put everything they can get their hands on in their mouths. This does not mean that they have pica disorder. That is why it is important to consider your child's age, how long she has exhibited the behavior and whether the behavior is displayed to the point of repetition.
4. Know your child's developmental state and whether any mental or emotional conditions are present. Children that suffer from developmental, emotional or other mental conditions are more prone to pica disorder. The disorder is often seen in children and adults who suffer from mental retardation although others without any form of mental illness may suffer from pica disorder also.
5. Notice whether the person who may be suffering from pica disorder is pregnant. It is not uncommon for pregnant women to crave strange foods and even non-edible items. When this occurs they are usually lacking a particular vitamin or mineral. Take note of how long the individual has displayed symptoms of pica disorder. Were signs of pica present before the pregnancy or have they only become apparent since the woman became pregnant? Pica disorder is more common during pregnancy as the unborn child derives nutrients from the mother's body which may lead to deficiency in some instances.
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