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

Could Biting On Cryons By A Child Indicate Psychological Craving?

A 5 year old boy bites on crayons in school despite warnings & discipline measures. He has a chewing device on his pencil, which he uses, but still chews on the crayons. Is there something in them that he could be craving? Is there some kind of alternative?
Thu, 10 Dec 2015
Report Abuse
Psychologist,  's  Response
Dear
Welcome to HCM
We understand your concerns

I went through your details. Crayon is basically wax and chewing onto crayons has its own health problems. Many young kids put nonfood items in their mouths at one time or another. If this behavior becomes a habit and a behavior disorder, it is usually called pica. Pica is an eating disorder that can result in serious health problems, such as lead poisoning and iron-deficiency anemia.

There are many reasons why the child is craving for non-food items. Nutritional requirement as well as psychological problems like ADD, OCD etc can be the prominent causes. I suggest you to consult a physician and then a psychologist. Behavior therapy will be useful.

If you require more of my help in this aspect, please use this URL. http://goo.gl/aYW2pR. Make sure that you include every minute detail possible.

Hope this answers your query. Further clarifications are welcome.
Good luck. Take care.
I find this answer helpful
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....
Could Biting On Cryons By A Child Indicate Psychological Craving?

Dear Welcome to HCM We understand your concerns I went through your details. Crayon is basically wax and chewing onto crayons has its own health problems. Many young kids put nonfood items in their mouths at one time or another. If this behavior becomes a habit and a behavior disorder, it is usually called pica. Pica is an eating disorder that can result in serious health problems, such as lead poisoning and iron-deficiency anemia. There are many reasons why the child is craving for non-food items. Nutritional requirement as well as psychological problems like ADD, OCD etc can be the prominent causes. I suggest you to consult a physician and then a psychologist. Behavior therapy will be useful. If you require more of my help in this aspect, please use this URL. http://goo.gl/aYW2pR. Make sure that you include every minute detail possible. Hope this answers your query. Further clarifications are welcome. Good luck. Take care.