Acuphagia on the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum in anAdolescent Male

Pica is a condition that is commonly missed in childhood. This condition occurs worldwide and is considered normalin 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 belongon a spectrum of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). This case involves Mr. C, a 16-year-old male with a history ofdepression, anxiety, and ten previous intentional foreign body ingestions involving sharp objects such as needles, forks, andthumbtacks. He states that he recently ate a nail and denies any current obsessions. He was admitted from a local involuntaryreceiving facility due to decreased bowel movements in the last week. Learning points and recommendations for practitionersare described