Chat’s GP Dr Martin Edwards says, ‘Pica is something of a mystery. It can affect pregnant women, probably due to hormone changes, but iron deficiency, family stress, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or addiction can also be triggers, and sometimes there’s no obvious cause. Sufferers often choose to eat items because of their texture or smell – and soil, clay, hair, starch or ice are common.
It’s not surprising pica has its dangers, including poisoning, bowel parasites or worms, tooth damage and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Some sufferers even crave their own poo, which can cause severe gastroenteritis with diarrhoea and vomiting.
Pica cravings may go with time but, when treatment’s necessary this might mean taking iron tablets, having cognitive behavioural therapy or antidepressants.’…