EFFECTIVENESS OF INDIVIDUALIZED HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE FOR PICA IN THE AGE GROUP OF 2 – 15 YEARS: A CASE SERIES

Pica, a behavioural disorder marked by the persistent consumption of non-edible and non nutritive substances such as soil, raw rice, raw potatoes, pencil chalk, paper, and soap, often affects children. This case series includes 30 children, aged 2 to 15 years, diagnosed with pica using DSM-5 criteria and evaluated with the PARDI scale. Individualized homoeopathic medicine were prescribed based on the physical, emotional, and mental profiles of each patient. Calcarea Carbonica, Tarentula Hispanica, and Silicea were commonly used. Symptom improvement was observed over six months through regular follow-ups, and paired t-tests confirmed clinical effectiveness. This research advocates for further studies into the role of homoeopathy in managing pica.