What Does Pica Come From? Unpacking the Origins of Cravings for Non-Food Items
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4 min read
According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of pica requires the persistent eating of non-nutritive, non-food substances for at least one month. The origins of pica are not yet fully understood, but current research suggests a multifaceted link to nutritional deficiencies, underlying mental health conditions, and environmental factors. This compulsive disorder, named after the magpie bird known for eating unusual objects, affects individuals of all ages but is most common in young children and pregnant women.
