Pica

Definition:

A pattern of eating non-nutritive substances, lasting for at least a month.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Pica is seen more in young children than adults, with 10 to 32% of children age one to six years old affected. It also occurs in mentally retarded persons.

Pica can occur during pregnancy. In some cases, a specific nutritional deficiency such as iron deficiency anemia can be identified. Some cases occur in people with severe psychiatric conditions. In others, no cause can be identified.