HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Ways To Wean Off The Habit Of Eating Pencil Leads

Hi, I am 45 year old and since 1 year I start eating pencil lead. I try to stop it but I have too much craving. I have 3 kids. I almost eat all the pencil lead in the house now I shop for pencil lead. I am diabetic and have depression also. My hemoglobin is low too but I want to know if this is because of mineral deficiency. I will be ok when I get iv from hospital to over come my deficiency or this habit never end. My stomach too much upset because of this and I am getting diarrhea and constipation most of the time and I am thing this is because of this habit
Tue, 25 Feb 2020
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

Based on the given history you seem to be suffering from a condition called pica. It is an eating disorder that involves intense desire to consume non-nutritious items such as chalk, dirt, bricks, and pencil leads.

It is usually associated other mental health disorders. It may cause anemia, malnutrition and kidney disease.

You are advised to consult a psychiatrist for behavior therapy to get rid of this habit. You also need to be treated for anemia or other malnutrition associated with this disorder.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer


Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Ways To Wean Off The Habit Of Eating Pencil Leads

Hello, Based on the given history you seem to be suffering from a condition called pica. It is an eating disorder that involves intense desire to consume non-nutritious items such as chalk, dirt, bricks, and pencil leads. It is usually associated other mental health disorders. It may cause anemia, malnutrition and kidney disease. You are advised to consult a psychiatrist for behavior therapy to get rid of this habit. You also need to be treated for anemia or other malnutrition associated with this disorder. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician