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Pica: common but commonly missed
E A Rose1, J H Porcerelli, A V Neale
1Department of Family Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA.
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice
|September 23, 2000
Summary
Pica, the compulsive eating of non-food items, affects women and children, particularly in low socioeconomic areas. Its causes are multifactorial, potentially linking it to obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Nutritional Science
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Pica is the compulsive ingestion of nonnutritive substances.
- It can lead to significant medical complications.
- The exact cause of pica remains unclear despite its long history.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on pica.
- To understand its prevalence, associated conditions, and potential causes.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing this disorder.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of MEDLINE and PSYCH-Lit databases.
- Keywords included "pica," "obsessive-compulsive disorder," "iron-deficiency anemia," and "nutrition."
- Search covered publications from 1964 to the present.
Main Results:
- Pica is more prevalent in women (especially pregnant women) and children.
- It is commonly observed in low socioeconomic status populations.
- Complications include iron-deficiency anemia, lead poisoning, and parasitic infections.
Conclusions:
- Pica is likely driven by multiple factors.
- Emerging evidence suggests a link to obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders.
- Awareness is crucial as pica is often overlooked.