Pica is the persistent eating of substances such as dirt or paint that have no nutritional value. Pica often occurs with other mental health disorders associated with impaired functioning (intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia).

 

Between 4%-26% of institutionalized individuals are believed to have pica. Iron-deficiency anemia and malnutrition are two of the most common causes of pica, along with pregnancy. With these people, pica is a sign that the body is trying to correct a significant nutrient deficiency.

 

Treating this deficiency with medication or vitamins usually resolves the problems. There are no lab tests for pica; the diagnosis is made from a clinical history of the patient. Infections such as toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis may occur as a result of ingesting feces or dirt.Poisoning, such as heavy metal poisoning caused by the ingestion of lead-based paint.

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The word pica is Latin for magpie which is a bird notorious for eating almost anything. It is true that the majority of women will experience cravings during pregnancy; however, most of these cravings are for things like pickles and ice cream. Pica cravings are most commonly seen in children and occur in approximately 25-30% of all children; pica cravings in pregnant women are even less common.

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Some Pica cravings include:

• burnt matches

• stones

• charcoal

• mothballs

• ice

• cornstarch

• toothpaste

• soap

• sand

• plaster

• coffee grounds

• baking soda

• cigarette ashes