Learning About Pica

Pica is an eating disorder. People with pica eat things that aren't food, such as chalk, dirt, hair, paint, or paper. It can happen in children older than 2 years and in teens and adults. It happens more in children than in teens or adults. Pica is more common in people with autism spectrum disorder and developmental or intellectual disabilities. It also can happen when a person is pregnant.

Depending on what things the person eats, the health risk may be small. But eating certain things can be dangerous or even deadly.

Often the cause of pica isn't known. But it may be a sign of a lack of certain nutrients or of malnutrition. For example, people with iron-deficiency anemia may get pica. People who are pregnant may also get pica, especially if they aren't getting enough food or if they have vitamin deficiencies.

People with pica eat things that aren't food. Some common things people with pica might eat include chalk, dirt, hair, paint, and paper. They eat these things often and over a period of at least a month.

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and eating behaviors. And the doctor may do a physical exam. They may also ask about any other conditions you might have that are common in people with pica. These include conditions such as intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.

Your doctor also may want to do blood tests to look for a lack of some nutrients, such as iron, zinc, or calcium. You may also be checked for lead poisoning. Your doctor may order an X-ray or other scan of the belly. This can help look for objects or problems in the digestive tract.

In some cases, pica stops on its own. Children may outgrow it. If there's an illness or health problem caused by eating things that aren't food, such as an infection, ulcer, lead poisoning, or mouth injury, that will be treated. The doctor may refer the person to a behavioral or mental health professional.