
Furthermore, children who had increased sensory sensitivity traits were significantly more picky about food and had more internalizing difficulties. Children with increased sensory sensitivity traits in response to sounds ( p = 0.008), visual stimuli ( p 0.05).Ĭonclusions: Children with increased sensory sensitivity traits were more likely to eat inedible substances than those without. Results: Approximately, 3.7% of participants indicated that their child ate non-nutritious, non-food substances. The final sample consisted of 614 participants who had completed the questionnaire. Of those 655, 41 study participants who did not complete the questionnaire were excluded. Furthermore, a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was also completed. Methodology: Parents/guardians of children aged 3–6 years were asked to complete an anonymous online questionnaire containing demographic data, questions regarding the peculiarities of children's eating, sensory sensitivity. Recently, additional attention has been given to the role of sensory sensitivity in eating disorders.Īim of the study: To examine the prevalence of pica in preschool children and explore the associations with increased sensory sensitivity traits and rates of internalizing and externalizing difficulties. It can occur at any age however, a higher prevalence is observed among children with mental health issues and pregnant women.

Low levels of nutrients like iron or zinc might trigger specific cravings. Non-food items might help give a feeling of fullness. mental health problems, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or schizophrenia.developmental problems, such as autism or intellectual disabilities.intestinal obstruction, from eating things that block the intestinesĭoctors don't know exactly what causes pica.intestinal infections, from eating soil or poop that has parasites or worms.

constipation or diarrhea, from eating things the body can't digest (like hair).lead poisoning, from eating dirt or paint chips with lead.Health problems can happen in kids with pica, depending on what they eat. People with pica crave and eat non-food items such as: Sometimes they eat things that can lead to health problems. But kids with pica (PIE-kuh) go beyond that. Young kids often put non-food items (like grass or toys) in their mouths because they're curious about the world around them. Pica is an eating disorder in which a person eats things not usually considered food.
