Pica

Pica is the persistent eating of nonfood substances or substances with little nutritional value. It is diagnosed when the behavior is developmentally inappropriate and not part of a culturally supported practice.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: The American Psychiatric Association’s classification and diagnostic manual for mental disorders. Its criteria specify when persistent ingestion of nonfood substances qualifies as pica.
Iron deficiency: A state in which the body lacks enough iron to support its functions. Iron deficiency is associated with pica, though it is not always clear which comes first.
Behavioral assessment: A systematic evaluation of behavior, its context, and factors that influence it. Tracking triggers and consequences can clarify why pica persists.
Geophagia: The deliberate consumption of soil or clay. It is a specific form of pica that can expose people to parasites or contaminants.
International Classification of Diseases: The World Health Organization’s system for classifying diseases and health conditions. It provides an international diagnostic framework for pica.
Lead poisoning: Illness caused by harmful exposure to lead, which can damage multiple body systems. Eating contaminated soil or paint chips can expose someone with pica to lead.
Applied behavior analysis: A systematic approach that uses learning principles to understand and change behavior. Behavioral interventions can reduce pica by changing triggers, consequences, and access to substances.
Pagophagia: The persistent consumption of ice or freezer frost. This form is often associated with iron deficiency.
Eating disorder: A mental disorder involving persistent disturbance in eating behavior or related thoughts and emotions. Pica is classified among feeding and eating disorders.
Intestinal obstruction: A blockage that prevents contents from passing normally through the intestine. Swallowed objects or indigestible materials can obstruct the digestive tract.

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