Pica

Individuals suffering from pica tend to compulsively eat items that are non-nutrient. The items might be relatively harmless, for example, ice cubes, or they could be dangerous items like stones and metal. Pica is most common in children and pregnant women and it tends to be temporary. It has also been discovered in individuals with intellectual disabilities, and it tends to be more chronic and severe in individuals with developmental disabilities.

What should you look for?

Individuals with pica tend to eat:

• Ice
• Soap
• Buttons
• Clay
• Hair
• Dirt
• Sand
• Cigarette
• Paint
• Glue
• Chalk

Holm, G. (2019, 08 2). Everything You Need to Know About Pica. Retrieved from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/pica