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Pica

Basics

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Definition

Pica is a pattern of eating non-food materials (such as dirt or paper).

Symptoms

Children and adults with pica may eat:

  • Animal feces
  • Clay
  • Dirt
  • Hairballs
  • Ice
  • Paint
  • Sand

This pattern of eating should last at least 1 month to fit the diagnosis of pica.

Toptop

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