Tag: Developmental disorders

According to the National Institutes of Health, the practice of consuming earth, soil, or clay is an ancient habit, yet in modern contexts, it is medically known as pica. Pica is an eating disorder characterized by eating dirt or clay, along with other non-nutritive, non-food substances for at least one month. The behavior can be a sign of underlying nutritional deficiencies or other medical issues.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), pica is a relatively common eating disorder, particularly among young children and pregnant women. It is characterized by persistent cravings for and consumption of non-food items with no nutritional value. Understanding a common feature of pica is the first step toward diagnosis and seeking appropriate treatment.

Pica, an eating disorder characterized by compulsively eating non-food items, can affect people of any age, but certain populations are significantly more susceptible. Notably, it occurs most frequently in young children, pregnant women, and individuals with developmental or mental health conditions, where it can sometimes signal underlying issues like nutritional deficiencies.