.jpg)
Pica is an eating disorder characterized by a persistent craving for non-food items such as dirt, paper, clay, or chalk. It is most common in children but can also occur in adults. It is believed to be caused by a combination of physical, psychosocial, and cultural factors. It is often associated with other conditions such as autism, intellectual disability, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Symptoms may include a strong desire to eat non-food items, difficulty stopping the behavior, eating large amounts of non-food items, and physical signs of eating non-food items such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Treatment usually involves psychotherapy, dietary interventions, and medications. It is important to identify and address any underlying causes of pica in order to prevent long-term complications.