Enfermedad Pica En Ingles

Pica (disorder)
Classification and external resources

Stomach contents of a psychiatric inpatient with pica
Pica ( /ˈpaɪkə/ PY-kə) is characterized by an appetite for substances largelynon-nutritive (such as clay or chalk).[1] For these actions to be considered pica, they must persist for more than one month at an age where eating such objects is considered developmentally inappropriate.There are different variations of pica, as it can be from a cultural tradition, acquired taste or a neurological mechanism such as an iron deficiency, or chemical imbalance. It can lead tointoxication in children which can result in an impairment in both physical and mental development.[2] In addition, it can also lead to surgical emergencies due to an intestinal obstruction as well as moresubtle symptoms such as nutritional deficiencies.Pica is oftentimes culturally accepted and is not deemed inappropriate. Pica has been linked to mental disability and they often have psychotic comorbidity.Stressors such as maternal deprivation, family issues, parental neglect, pregnancy, poverty, and a disorganized family structure are strongly linked to pica.
Pica is more commonly seen in women andchildren,[3] where it affects people of all ages in these subgroups. Particularly it is seen in pregnant women, small children, and those with developmental disabilities such as autism. For childrenwith autism, suffering from pica disorder has seemed to be even more dangerous. Children eating painted plaster containing lead may suffer brain damage from lead poisoning. There is a similar risk fromeating dirt near roads that existed prior to the phaseout of tetra-ethyl lead in petrol (in some countries) or prior to the cessation of the use of contaminated oil (either used or containing toxicPCBs or dioxin) to settle dust. In addition to poisoning, there is also a much greater risk of gastro-intestinal obstruction or tearing in the stomach.[4] Another risk of dirt-eating is the possible...