Hi. I am 30 years old. I have this weird habit. I like to crunch and eat raw rice. A lot perhaps a day. I developed this habit when i was 20, so i have been eating raw rice for the past 10 years. During my pregnancy i got to know i am a talasemic carrier, and i stop the habit wondering it could effect my baby. But after delivered my son, i continued the habit. Is this habit related to to my low hb count in my blood? I wish i can stop this habit. Can you please give some tips to stop this unhealthy habit. Is this habit harmful?
Hello Thanks for asking from ChatDoctorYou have habit of eating rice on compulsive basis. Eating non-edible or non-necessary substance is called as Pica. It is a psychiatric disorder seen commonly in child Chat Doctor.  A lot of persons who have Pica show iron deficiency anemia. The habit will not have any serious effect on health but as this is very distressing and embarrassing, so you should consult a psychiatrist for treatment. Iron and Vitamin B12 supplements are one modality of treatment to treat nutritional deficiency if any. Fluoxetine is a SSRI