Pica eating disorder symptoms are characterized by eating substances that have no nutritive value - that is non-food substances like dirt, paper, paint and more. The pica symptoms that arise as a result of ingesting these substances depends on what has been eaten. Symptoms can range from mild, such as constipation from eating clay or wearing of the teeth from chewing on ice, to severe, even to the point of death from lead poisoning or ingesting other chemicals.
What kinds of things do people with Pica Disorder eat?
toilet paper
dirt
clay
sand
chalk
wood
hair
cotton
wool
paint
starch
feces
mucus
ice
paper
soap
glue
cigarette butts
salt
flour
raw rice
raw pasta
coffee grounds
hair
rust
buttons
toothpaste
beeswax
chewing gum
household cleaners
batteries
rusty nails
finger nails
glass
Pica Symptoms
Generally, unless the person has developmental problems, you can detect signs of pica eating disorder if the person eating the non-nutritive substances is too old to be doing it. As we know, children tend to put things in their mouths. They may even deliberately try things like chalk, dog or cat food, dirt, sand, etc. But once they get older, school-age children should not be eating these things. If they are, they are likely displaying pica behavior and should be evaluated.
Other symptoms can be seen after the non-nutritive substance has been ingested. Lead poisoning is an issue when lead paint is ingested. Obviously lethal poisoning is an issue when household cleaners are swallowed.
Sharp objects can ulcerate or perforate internal organs - the esophagus, stomach and bowel are common.
Feces and dirt, sand, clay and other earth materials can carry infectious diseases. Parasites are common.
There is some evidence to suggest that ingesting materials that contain minerals our body normally needs inhibits the body's ability to absorb those nutrients through regular food. So ingesting iron substances can lead to iron deficiency. Ingesting substances with zinc can lead to zinc deficiency. Studies only suggest these as side effects - science has not confirmed this conclusion.
