Last Updated:

June 24th, 2025

PICA | Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

Most of us have heard about strange eating habits: pregnant women craving pickles and ice cream or documentaries about people who only eat chips or dry pasta. Unusual, yes. But what happens when someone starts eating things that aren’t food at all?

Pica isn’t just an ‘odd habit’; it’s a serious and often misunderstood eating disorder. For those living with it, the effects can be deeply distressing and even dangerous. We take a closer look at what Pica is, why it happens and how to get the right help.

PICA-graphical-image

What is Pica?

The term ‘Pica’ comes from the Latin word for ‘magpie’, (Pica Pica), a bird known for its habit of eating and scavenging just about anything. It’s a fitting name for a condition where individuals feel a persistent urge to eat nonfood items such as:

  • Paper
  • Dirt
  • Clay
  • Soap
  • Metal

Pica has been observed across centuries and cultures and while it can sometimes seem like a myth, it’s now recognised as a mental health condition. In 2013, it was formally added to the DSM-5 as a feeding and eating disorder.

For some, it appears during childhood. For others, it might be triggered by pregnancy, nutritional deficiencies or emotional trauma. Pica can also occur on its own or as a symptom of something else, such as iron deficiency or obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Regardless of the underlying cause, it’s a condition that often calls for specialist support.

Common signs and symptoms of Pica

Although Pica appears differently in each person, there are a few patterns, in the form of behaviours, that often emerge. Sometimes these behaviours are secretive. Other times, they happen openly without the person recognising any issue.

Common signs include:

  • Regularly eating substances such as clay, chalk, soil, hair, paper, ice or soap
  • Experiencing stomach pain, nausea or frequent illness after eating
  • Difficulty focusing, unexplained malnutrition or signs of poisoning (especially in children)
  • Behavioural issues such as irritability or emotional distress, particularly if they’re unable to access what they crave

What causes Pica?

There’s no single reason why Pica develops. In many cases, it appears alongside physical or mental health conditions, but sometimes it emerges without an obvious explanation. That said, a few common causes have been identified.

Nutritional deficiencies
When the body lacks essential nutrients like iron or zinc, it can send confusing signals to the brain. One theory is that people with these deficiencies may instinctively seek out nonfood substances in an attempt to correct the imbalance. Non-food items like soil and clay can contain high levels of minerals that even humans need.
Cultural and social factors
In some communities, eating substances like clay or earth is tied to spiritual practice or traditional medicine. For example, powdered clay may be fed to babies in some cultures, while pregnant women might be encouraged to eat soil for perceived health benefits. These customs don’t always lead to Pica but in some cases, the behaviour persists in unhealthy ways.
Pregnancy
Pica is commonly observed during pregnancy. With so many changes happening in the body, including hormonal shifts and increased nutrient demands, cravings can sometimes take a strange turn. If left unaddressed, these urges may lead to long-term Pica behaviours.
Mental health conditions
Certain psychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, OCD or schizophrenia can increase the likelihood of developing Pica. In these cases, the behaviour may serve as a form of stimulation, stress relief or emotional regulation.

Is Pica dangerous?

Pica can be very dangerous. Just because someone is eating something doesn’t mean the body knows what to do with it. When nonfood items enter the digestive system, a number of health complications can arise.

Potential risks include:

  • Blockages in the intestines or stomach
  • Choking or internal injury
  • Toxicity from substances such as paint, soap or glue
  • Nutritional imbalances or worsening deficiencies
  • Long-term damage to organs, particularly in children

For children and vulnerable adults, these risks are even more pronounced. That’s why early intervention is so important.

How is Pica diagnosed?

Diagnosing Pica isn’t as simple or easy as catching someone eating a strange object. Clinicians use the DSM-5 criteria to assess whether the behaviour has persisted for over a month, is developmentally inappropriate and cannot be explained by another condition (such as hunger or a recognised cultural practice).

The diagnosis also considers whether the behaviour is causing distress or harm, either to the individual or to those around them.

Does Pica need inpatient treatment?

Inpatient treatment is often recommended for people with Pica when the behaviour becomes dangerous or unmanageable. If someone is regularly consuming harmful items or placing others at risk, being in a supportive residential setting can make a significant difference. It removes the person from an environment where access to nonfood items may be easy and allows for focused therapeutic work.

In this setting, trained professionals can help explore the emotional and psychological factors contributing to Pica and begin the process of building healthier behaviours in a safe and structured space, away from daily pressures and potential triggers.

angry-young-woman

A closer look at the treatment therapies for Pica

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating Pica but many people respond well to a structured plan that focuses on both the psychological and physical aspects of the condition.

Here are a few examples of what the recovery path may look like for you:

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy for eating disorders (CBT-ED) can help you make sense of your cravings and begin to unpick the behaviours that keep you stuck in the same cycle. 
  • Alongside therapy, improving nutritional intake can make a noticeable difference, especially if the behaviour is rooted in a deficiency. 
  • In some cases, medication might be used to reduce underlying symptoms that contribute to Pica. 

Recovery works best when all areas of someone’s wellbeing are addressed together.

Getting help for Pica through Addiction Helper

Pica may not look like other eating disorders, but it can be just as harmful. At Addiction Helper, we’re here to guide you in the right direction.

We’ll help you or your loved one access a treatment programme that addresses not just the surface behaviour but the underlying reasons it started in the first place. Recovery from Pica is more than achievable, and you don’t have to face it alone.

Reclaim Your Life Today

Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pica lead to poisoning or other serious health risks?
Yes, Pica can cause serious health problems, including poisoning, blockages in the digestive system or internal injury. Some substances contain toxins like lead or chemicals that the body can’t process, making early intervention and treatment incredibly important.
Is Pica more common in children or adults?
Pica is more commonly seen in children, especially those aged one to six. However, it can also affect adults, particularly during pregnancy or in those with developmental conditions or mental health challenges. In all cases, it’s a condition worth addressing.
How is Pica treated?
Pica treatment focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying cause. This may include nutritional support, therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and strategies to manage cravings or reduce access to harmful items. Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs.

(Click here to see works cited)

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