Pica is a disorder characterized by the persistent consumption of non-nutritive, non-food substances over a period of at least one month. These substances can include things like dirt, hair, paper, soap, cloth, wool, pebbles, laundry detergent, chalk, paint chips, or clay. Pica can occur in both children and adults, but it is more commonly observed in children, pregnant women, and individuals with developmental disabilities.
The exact cause of pica is not fully understood, but it may be associated with nutritional deficiencies (such as iron or zinc deficiency), mental health conditions (such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or schizophrenia), developmental disorders (such as autism spectrum disorder), or cultural factors.
Pica can lead to serious health complications, including nutritional deficiencies, intestinal obstruction, poisoning, and parasitic infections. Treatment typically involves addressing any underlying nutritional deficiencies, behavioral interventions, counseling, and sometimes medication, depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.