Who is most likely to get pica?

The disorder is more common in children, affecting 10% to 30% of young children ages 1 to 6. It can also occur in children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. On rare occasions, pregnant women crave strange, nonfood items.

Who typically has pica disease?

Most cases of pica happen in young children and pregnant women. It’s normal for kids up to 2 years old to put things in their mouth. So the behavior isn’t usually considered a disorder unless a child is older than 2. Pica usually improves as kids get older.

Is pica more common in males or females?

The prevalence was 81.5%, 80.5% and 93.4% for children, adolescents, and adults, respectively with highest rates in adult men (93.6%).

What kind of food do people with pica eat?

What is pica? Pica is a compulsive eating disorder in which people eat nonfood items. Dirt, clay, and flaking paint are the most common items eaten. Less common items include glue, hair, cigarette ashes, and feces. The disorder is more common in children, affecting 10% to 30% of young children ages 1 to 6.

What is the most common definition of pica?

In published literature, the most common definition of pica is the placing of non-edible items past the plane of the lips. For example, a child may eat food from a garbage can or bite off a piece of a toy plastic car and swallow it quickly. Other children hold things in their mouths and move them around only swallowing the item occasionally.

Who is more likely to be diagnosed with pica?

Among individuals with autism, pica is more common among those who have an intellectual disability compared to individuals with average or above average intelligence. Pica is diagnosed using four specific criteria: Children with autism have been reported to eat a wide variety of items. Common targeted items include:

How many people are affected by Pica in the world?

It is unclear how many people are affected by pica. It most likely is more prevalent in developing countries. Pica can affect children, adolescents, and adults of any genders.