Pica

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Most cases of pica cannot be prevented. Eating a well-balanced diet following the Food Guide Pyramid can prevent some cases due to zinc or iron deficiency.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Pica in children often goes away by the teenage years. Pregnant women often stop having pica after delivery. The disorder may be permanent in someone with mental retardation or severe psychological problems.

Other long-term effects are related to the substance eaten. For example, eating chips of lead paint may cause permanent brain damage from lead poisoning. Eating other toxic substances can result in poisoning and death.

What are the risks to others?

Pica is not contagious and poses no risk to others.