What is pica?

Pica is a rare of behavior characterized by eating non-food materials. Pica may be associated with behavioral and developmental disorders. Some research suggests that the disorder is a specific craving caused by a mineral deficiency, such as iron deficiency.

How do members experience pica?

Top 5 symptoms reported by people with pica*

*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.

Top treatments taken by people for pica*

Who has pica on PatientsLikeMe?

Age

Age Proportion # of patients
<20 4
20s 7
30s 7
40s 6
50s 1
60s 1
70+ 1

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 7
Female 19