PicaSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Pica
Pica is a pattern of eating non-food materials, such as dirt or paper.
Geophagy; Lead poisoning - pica
Pica is seen more in young children than adults. Up to one third of children ages 1 to 6 years have these eating behaviors. It is unclear how many children with pica intentionally consume dirt (geophagy).
Pica can also occur during pregnancy. In some cases, a lack of certain nutrients, such as iron and zinc, may trigger the unusual cravings. Pica may also occur in adults who crave a certain texture in their mouth.
Children and adults with pica may eat:
- Animal feces
- Clay
- Dirt
- Hairballs
- Ice
- Paint
- Sand
This pattern of eating must last for at least 1 month to fit the diagnosis of pica.
Depending on what is being eaten and how much, symptoms of other problems may be present, such as:
- Belly pain, nausea, and bloating caused by blockage in the stomach or intestine
- Fatigue
- Behavior problems, school problems and other findings of lead poisoning or poor nutrition
Treatment should first address any missing nutrients or other medical problems, such as lead poisoning.
Treating pica involves behaviors, the environment, and family education. One form of treatment associates the pica behavior with negative consequences or punishment (mild aversion therapy). Then the person gets rewarded for eating normal foods.
Medicines may help reduce the abnormal eating behavior if pica is part of a developmental disorder such as intellectual disability.
Swedish Cerebrovascular Center
Dr. McDougall became certified as a neurosurgeon in 1993. He has focused his entire career on the treatment of stroke and cerebrovascular disease, and he was one of the first neurosurgeons in the country to receive fellowship training in endovascular techniques. Once Guglielmi detachable coils received FDA approval in 1995, he was the first neurosurgeon in North America to treat a patient with an intracranial aneurysm using this device. Since that time, he has been extensively involved in research to improve endovascular techniques including being the principal investigator on large, randomized, international studies. He is a past president of the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgeons, has published over two hundred papers in peer reviewed journals and been an invited lecturer on every continent except Antarctica. Dr. Mcdougall is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pica. He is also highly rated in 14 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Brain Aneurysm, Arteriovenous Malformation, Pica, Extracranial-Intracranial Bypass Surgery, and Stent Placement. Dr. Mcdougall is board certified in American Board Of Neurological Surgery. Dr. Mcdougall is currently accepting new patients.
Ali Tayebi-Meybodi is a Neurosurgery provider practicing medicine in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Tayebi-Meybodi is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pica. He is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Pica, Arteriovenous Malformation, Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation, Extracranial-Intracranial Bypass Surgery, and Osteotomy.
Iva Stankovic practices practicing medicine in Belgrade, Serbia. Ms. Stankovic is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Pica. She is also highly rated in 7 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Pica, Multiple System Atrophy, Familial Dysautonomia, Movement Disorders, and Deep Brain Stimulation.
Treatment success varies. In many cases, the disorder lasts several months and then disappears on its own. In some cases, it may continue into the teen years or adulthood, especially when it occurs with developmental disorders.
Complications include:
- Bezoar (a mass of undigestible material trapped inside the body, most often in the stomach)
- Infection
Contact your provider if you notice that your child (or an adult) is eating nonfood materials.
There is no specific prevention. Getting adequate nutrition may help.
Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of oliceridine versus morphine and sufentanil for postoperative analgesia following elective lumbar spine surgery.
Published Date: May 04, 2024
Published By: Fred K. Berger, MD, addiction and forensic psychiatrist, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
DeLoughery TG. Microcytic and hypochromic anemias. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 145.
Katzman DK, Norris ML. Feeding and eating disorders. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 9.
Samsel CB, Walter HJ, DeMaso DR. Rumination and pica. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 36.