PEDIATRICS Vol. 46 No. 3 September 1970, pp. 441-444
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PICA—SYMPTOM OR VESTIGIAL INSTINCT?

Hans H. Neumann M.D.1

1 New Haven Department of Health, City of New Haven, Connecticut

Pica is found commonly in the United States, and universally in West Africa. From observations in West Africa, pica—particularly the chewing of pieces of wood—appears to be the expression of an instinctual need for something hard to chew on. This may favor the development and maintenance of sound primary and secondary dentitions. Excellent, decay-resistant teeth prevail wherever indulgence in this type of pica is permitted.

In "advanced" societies the urge to chew on hard non-edible materials is provisionally sanctioned during the time of "teething." The need for it seems to extend over years rather than oven the few weeks during which it is tolerated.

As the instinctual urge becomes vestigial or suppressed, other functionally inadequate materials may be employed by children.

The view that pica in children is generally an expression of a personality disturbance seems questionable.

Submitted on January 5, 1970
Accepted on March 28, 1970




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