Pica

An eating disorder characterized by the persistent consumption of non-food, non-nutritive substances that may pose medical or nutritional risk.

Signs and Clinical Features:

• Recurrent consumption of non-food substances (e.g., paper, ice, soil, chalk)
• Behavior that is developmentally inappropriate
• Potential nutritional deficiencies or medical complications
• Urges or cravings unrelated to typical hunger patterns
• Possible association with trauma history or co-occurring conditions
• Clinically significant distress or impairment in functioning

How Heroic Path Helps

When present in adults and appropriate for the Partial Hospitalization Program level of care, treatment addresses Pica-related behaviors within the broader framework of eating disorder and trauma-informed care, with careful medical and nutritional coordination as indicated.