Pica Eating Disorder
Pica eating disorder is a mental disorder characterized by eating substances largely non-nutritive that can range from dirt, clay, paint chips, feces, plastic toys, chalk, plaster, flour cornstarch, baking soda, buttons, paper, toothpaste, soap, glue, and many other things. Pica eating disorder is most common in children ages two to six years, but can also manifest in adults and among pregnant women, people with mental retardation and developmental delays. For pica in a person to be diagnosed, the behavior must last for at least a month or so. There are several causes of this eating disorder that will be discussed further in this article. This disorder causes many health complications, and sometimes death. Treatment options are available for pica eating disorder.