Pica
Reviewed by the medical team of El Doctor Editorial policy
Pica is an eating behavior disorder in which the person feels the urge to eat substances that are not food and have no nutritional value, such as dirt, chalk, paper, or ice, persistently. It is seen fairly frequently in childhood and during pregnancy.
How it manifests: repeated ingestion of non-edible materials, which may be accompanied by digestive discomfort or other complications.
When to seek care? When the behavior persists, could involve risks, or is associated with nutritional or emotional deficiencies.
Who treats it? In children, the pediatrician evaluates development and possible causes, while the psychiatrist addresses the behavioral and emotional component. Consulting a professional makes it possible to identify the origin and care for overall health.
Data on 109 doctors who treat pica
Which specialist treats pica?
For pica (eating non-food substances), a Pediatrician should evaluate the child and rule out underlying causes. See this specialist if you notice your child eating dirt, paper, or other non-food items. You can book an appointment for an evaluation.
Treatment by city
Doctors specialized in pica
Dr. Ernesto Agustín Lara Benítez
Dr. Rodrigo Armando Vigueras Santiago
Dr. Vicente de Jesus Flores Lopez
Dr. Úrsula Garcia Soto
Dr. Jacqueline Montero Schwarz
Dr. Lorely Vianey Bres Ramírez
Dr. Yolanda Yamilé López López
Dr. Maria Fernanda Frausto Mendoza
Dr. Karla Escobedo Vázquez
Dr. Nitza Pérez Martínez
Dr. Jessica Avalos Nigoche
Dr. Norma Ilse Garcia González
Dr. Kim Danae Díaz Juárez
Dr. Carlos Andrés Aceves Barrios
Dr. Arturo Ariph Ibarra Sánchez
Dr. Héctor Garza Blizzard
Dr. Beatriz Ortiz Figueroa
Dr. Alejandro X. Ramos Samperio
Dr. Gilberto Morales Salgado
Dr. Victor Manuel Guisa Sánchez
Frequently asked questions
What is pica?
Pica is an eating behavior disorder in which the person feels the urge to eat substances that are not food and have no nutritional value, such as dirt, chalk, paper, or ice, persistently. It is seen fairly frequently in childhood and during pregnancy.
Which doctor treats pica?
For pica (eating non-food substances), a Pediatrician should evaluate the child and rule out underlying causes. See this specialist if you notice your child eating dirt, paper, or other non-food items. You can book an appointment for an evaluation.