psychiatric disorders
Pica
Key Points
Diagnose pica in patients who persistently eat nonnutritive, nonfood material for≥1 month; pica is not diagnosed in children<2 years. Usually, pica does not cause significant medical harm, but check patients for weight loss and nutritional deficiencies and, if symptoms suggest it, for intestinal obstruction, lead poisoning, and parasitic infestation. Behavioral modification techniques may help, but little is known about specific treatments for pica. Treat nutritional deficiencies and other complications as needed. 