Work

Sponge eating: a strange type of pica

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Pica refers to the compulsive ingestion of nonnutritive substances. It is more common in tropical countries where cultural and dietary factors play a role. Soil (geophagia), ice (pagophagia), and hair (trichophagia) are the most prevalent substances ingested. We describe the clinical case of a 22-year-old patient diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD) with pica for sponge. The treatment with fluvoxamine, amitriptyline and risperidone resulted in a partial response. This case is an example that highlights the difficulties treating of this entity.

Source: International Journal of Psychiatric Trainees

DOI: 10.55922/001c.125004

Authors: Ana Duarte, Tiago Duarte

Institution: Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte

Language: English

Topic: Eating Disorders and Behaviors

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W4405618445