The Handbook for Clinical Child Psychology currently supports general behavioral strategies as the most effective treatment approach for pica, with training in which foods are edible and which foods cannot be eaten through the use of positive reinforcement. Additionally, close collaboration with a mental health team skilled in treating pica is ideal for optimal treatment of these complex cases. Given the risk of medical complications (such as lead poisoning) associated with pica, close medical monitoring is necessary throughout treatment of the eating behavior. This pattern of behavior must last at least one month for a diagnosis of pica to be made. A review of the person's eating habits may be conducted.īefore making a diagnosis of pica, the doctor will evaluate the presence of other disorders - such as intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, or obsessive-compulsive disorder - as the cause of the odd eating behavior. The doctor also may test for possible infections caused by eating items contaminated with bacteria or other organisms. The doctor may use certain tests - such as X-rays and blood tests - to check for anemia and look for toxins and other substances in the blood, and to check for blockages in the intestinal tract. If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical exam. If pica is suspected, a medical evaluation is important to assess for possible anemia, intestinal blockages, or potential toxicity from ingested substances. Research among non-institutionalized populations takes the form of individual case studies, making prevalence rates difficult to estimate. The Handbook of Clinical Child Psychologycurrently estimates that prevalence rates of pica range from 4%-26% among institutionalized populations. Pica is the persistent eating of substances such as dirt or paint that have no nutritional value.
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