(F98.3) Pica of infancy and childhood

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444 315 in individuals diagnosis pica of infancy and childhood confirmed

Diagnosis pica of infancy and childhood is diagnosed Men are 6.84% more likely than Women

237 347

Men receive the diagnosis pica of infancy and childhood

0 (less than 0.1%)

Died from this diagnosis.

100
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
206 968

Women receive the diagnosis pica of infancy and childhood

0 (less than 0.1%)

Died from this diagnosis.

Risk Group for the Disease pica of infancy and childhood - Men aged 5-9 and Women aged 10-14

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In Men diagnosis is most often set at age 0-34, 40-49
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Less common in men the disease occurs at Age 35-39, 50-95+Less common in women the disease occurs at Age 40-44, 55-69, 75-95+
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In Women diagnosis is most often set at age 0-39, 45-54, 70-74

Disease Features pica of infancy and childhood

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Absence or low individual and public risk
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Pica of infancy and childhood - what does this mean

Pica of infancy and childhood is a condition in which children engage in the persistent eating of non-food items such as dirt, chalk, and paint chips. it is thought to be caused by a combination of nutritional deficiencies, environmental factors, and psychological disturbances.

What happens during the disease - pica of infancy and childhood

Pica of infancy and childhood is thought to be caused by a combination of nutritional deficiencies, psychological factors, and environmental influences. nutritional deficiencies can lead to an imbalance of minerals and vitamins, which can lead to cravings for non-nutritive substances. psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and boredom can also lead to the desire to consume non-nutritive substances. environmental influences such as poverty or lack of access to healthy food can also increase the risk of pica.

Clinical Pattern

More details coming soon

How does a doctor diagnose

  • Physical examination
  • Review of medical history
  • Observation of eating habits
  • Cognitive tests
  • Nutritional assessment
  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • Imaging studies (e.g. CT scan, MRI)
  • Psychological testing

Treatment and Medical Assistance

Main goal of the treatment: To reduce the risk of harm from Pica of infancy and childhood.
  • Provide nutritional education to parents and caregivers.
  • Provide a safe environment, with no access to potential non-food items.
  • Provide a balanced, nutritious diet.
  • Encourage healthy eating habits.
  • Provide behavioral therapy and/or cognitive-behavioral therapy.
  • Encourage positive reinforcement of healthy behaviors.
  • Provide medical monitoring.
  • Provide psychological support and counseling.
  • Provide social support.
  • Refer to a specialist, if necessary.
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17 Days of Hospitalization Required
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Average Time for Outpatient Care Not Established

Pica of infancy and childhood - Prevention

Pica of infancy and childhood can be prevented by ensuring that children are exposed to a balanced and nutritious diet, providing a safe and secure environment, and educating parents and caregivers on the signs and symptoms of the disorder. additionally, parents and caregivers should be aware of the potential dangers of certain items, such as lead, that can be ingested if a child is engaging in pica behavior.