Pica is a type of eating disorder where a person regularly eats non-food items that have no nutritional value. These can include things like dirt, clay, chalk, paper, hair, soap, ice, or paint chips. This behavior must last for at least one month and be inappropriate for the person’s developmental level. For example, very young children may sometimes put things in their mouths, which is normal. But in older children, teenagers, or adults, pica is considered abnormal and may be a sign of a serious issue.
The exact cause of pica is not fully known, but it is often linked to nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of iron or zinc. Some people may develop pica as a response to stress, trauma, or mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or intellectual disability. Pica can also appear during pregnancy, especially in women with low iron levels.
Pica can be dangerous and lead to serious health problems. Eating non-food items may cause choking, poisoning, intestinal blockages, or infections. For example, eating paint that contains lead can lead to lead poisoning, which is very harmful, especially in children.
