Question 1

what are pica/pagophagia?

Accepted Answer

Pica: Pica is the ingestion of non-food materials, or substances with little or no nutritional value. Pagophagia is considered to be a type of pica - it is specifically the excessive or compulsive ingestion of ice. This is not simply enjoying ice in your beverages - it is a compulsive need or drive to chew on and ingest ice. Interestingly, it is sometimes an outward sign of anemia.

Question 2

what is the cause of pica?

Accepted Answer

Anemia, other: People who compulsively eat substances that are not meant to be food may have iron deficiency anemia. Examples include ice and dirt. This can go along with a sense of tiredness, shortness of breath with exertion, and pale skin.

Question 3

what are the causes of pica?

Accepted Answer

Pica: Some causes are; iron deficiency, obsessive compulsive disorder, psychoses, or cultural practice in some tribes.

Question 4

is there a medical condition that causes pica?

Accepted Answer

Anemia: People with chronic anemia may develop pica as a symptom.

Question 5

what is the definition or description of: pica?

Accepted Answer

PICA: An abnormal appetite or craving for substances that are not fit to eat. Such as chalk, clay or dirt.  Pica is common in malnutrition.

Question 6

what diseases are known to have pica as a symptom?

Accepted Answer

Anemia, psych ones: Iron deficiency anemia in particular is commonly found in those with pica. Mental retardation, autism, some forms of pyschosis can all be associated with pica as well.

Question 7

what can be done to help someone with pica disorder?

Accepted Answer

Start with medical: Assessment to look for underlying medical problems including mineral deficiencies. If no medical cause is identified then recommend psychological assessment.

Question 8

i am curious about people with pica. what causes that?

Accepted Answer

It does seem odd: Pica is more common in children but can also occur as an adult. Pica means eating non- food items. We have all heard of the dangers of lead poisoning from brain damage after a child eats paint chips which contain lead. But kids may become fixated on certain things and eat it, like the paste in grade school, although i thought all tried that.  Many kids who engage in pica have a developmental d/o.

Question 9

i do not have pica, but i crave wet dirt constantly. why?

Accepted Answer

PICA: Pica can occur in people who have lower than normal nutrient levels and poor nutrition (malnutrition). Testing blood levels of iron and zinc as well as hemoglobin can be checked to test for anemia. Your health care provider should test for infection if you have even once potentially eaten contaminated soil or animal waste.In the absence of deficiencies seek psychotherapy

Question 10

i have read that i actually do have pica, but it's hard to quit?

Accepted Answer

Pica causes: Pica is diagnosed on basis of persistently eating something of no nutritional value for greater then one month and is developmentally inappropriate. It is usually due to mineral deficiency in the usa. The desire to quit is strong in some people and both mineral replacement (e.g. Iron supplementation) and behavioral therapy have proven successful. Recommended that you be seen by your primary doctor.

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Doctor answers about:

Pica

A member asked:

What are pica/pagophagia?

A member asked:

What is the cause of pica?

A member asked:

What are the causes of pica?

A member asked:

Is there a medical condition that causes pica?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: pica?

A member asked:

What diseases are known to have pica as a symptom?

A member asked:

What can be done to help someone with pica disorder?

A member asked:

I am curious about people with pica. what causes that?

A member asked:

I do not have pica, but i crave wet dirt constantly. why?

A member asked:

I have read that i actually do have pica, but it's hard to quit?

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