Onset:
Pica can occur in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.
- Childhood onset is most commonly reported. (DSM-V, 2013)
- Pregnancy can also cause a manifestation of pica ( the diagnosis of pica during pregnancy is only necessary if these cravings lead to ingestion of nonfood substances that pose a risk)
Course:
-Can be protracted (long-lasting)
-Can result in medical emergencies, such as, intestinal obstruction, acute weight loss, and/or poisoning.
-Can also be fatal depending on the substances ingested
Duration:
In order to diagnose pica, the eating of non nutritive has to last for at least a month.
The duration varies with this disorder.
-In pregnant women, pica can last for the duration of pregnancy or a certain trimester
-In individual with iron-deficiency anemia that is causing pica, it can last until the anemia is corrected (Sinha & Malik, 2010).
Pica can occur in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.
- Childhood onset is most commonly reported. (DSM-V, 2013)
- Pregnancy can also cause a manifestation of pica ( the diagnosis of pica during pregnancy is only necessary if these cravings lead to ingestion of nonfood substances that pose a risk)
Course:
-Can be protracted (long-lasting)
-Can result in medical emergencies, such as, intestinal obstruction, acute weight loss, and/or poisoning.
-Can also be fatal depending on the substances ingested
Duration:
In order to diagnose pica, the eating of non nutritive has to last for at least a month.
The duration varies with this disorder.
-In pregnant women, pica can last for the duration of pregnancy or a certain trimester
-In individual with iron-deficiency anemia that is causing pica, it can last until the anemia is corrected (Sinha & Malik, 2010).