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 101 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. Guillermo Mezquita Macias
Dr. Rafael Tejeda Castro
Dr. Tania Zertuche Maldonado
Dr. Arturo Orozco Gutierrez
Dr. Yonatan Ivan Rivera Aragon
Dr. Jose Angel Ramirez Rodriguez
Dr. Jose Angel Ramirez Rodriguez
Dr. Jennifer Pérez Mejia
Dr. Miguel López Vázquez
Dr. Juan Carlos Bueno García
Dr. Daniela Julian Peral
Dr. José Joel Parada Jiménez
Dr. Saul Favela Aldaco
Dr. René Castrejon Morales
Dr. Raul Pedraza Grijalva
Dr. Manuel Carrasco Saldivar
Dr. Carlos Alfredo Albarran de Regil
Dr. Fernando Rafael Salinas Gonzalez
Dr. Pedro Gutierrez Lizardi
Dr. Germán Estanislao Velarde Magaña
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.