In general, the rate of eating disorders seems to be declining as time goes on. For example, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, disorders such as bulimia and anorexia have decreased 23% as the primary cause of hospitalization regarding eating disorders between the years of 2007 and 2009. While these more common eating disorders seem to definitely be declining, in-patient hospital stays for a different eating disorder known as pica has drastically increased since 1999 by an astounding 93%.
Pica is an eating disorder in which patients get into an obsessive pattern of eating non-food materials which could be anything ranging from paper, dirt, sand, paint, clay and even feces in some cases. More often than not, it is something that affects younger children than adults. According to the United States National Library of Medicine, between 10% and 32% of all children between the ages of 1 and 6 exhibit these behaviors in some way.
Warning signs to look out for in children include repetition in regards to eating non-food objects, even after efforts to try and restrict that behavior for one month or more. There is not a known singular cause for pica, however certain conditions are found to increase the risk of having pica such as nutrient deficiencies like zinc and iron, malnutrition, pregnancy, dieting, certain cultural factors, food deprivation, abuse and neglect in the home, mental illness, and even developmental disorders.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality summary of News and Numbers involves information collected from a sample of nationwide in-patients and revealed that the amount of hospital visits and stays concerning pica has, over the past 10 years alone, increased from 964 patients to 1,862 patients. Over 30% of hospitalizations for pica in children throughout 2009 involved children who also had autism spectrum disorder.
Parents who are worried that their child may have pica should take the time to talk to their pediatrician immediately. Initial treatment for pica involves addressing any nutrient deficiencies that may exist and other medical conditions such as eating paint, ingesting harmful bacteria, or being exposed to lead.
Parents should immediately seek medical attention if they suspect that they child has ingested anything harmful or potentially poisonous or if the object ingested was large enough to create a mass which can block the intestines.
References:
Zhao, Y., Encinosa, W. An Update on Hospitalizations for Eating Disorders, 1999 to 2009. HCUP Statistical Brief. September 2011. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Reynolds, D. 2011. Statistics find concerning increase in hospitalizations for pica eating disorder.