Acuphagia on the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum in an Adolescent Male

Abstract EN

Background.

Pica is a condition that is commonly missed in childhood.

This condition occurs worldwide and is considered normal in children from ages 18- to- 36 months.

It is also commonly seen in pregnant women due to associated nutritional deficiencies.

Acuphagia is a subtype of pica which has been briefly described in the literature.

Its classification has been speculated to belong on a spectrum of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD).

This case involves Mr.

C, a 16-year-old male with a history of depression, anxiety, and ten previous intentional foreign body ingestions involving sharp objects such as needles, forks, and thumbtacks.

He states that he recently ate a nail and denies any current obsessions.

He was admitted from a local involuntary receiving facility due to decreased bowel movements in the last week.

Learning points and recommendations for practitioners are described.