What is a Pica Test? Understanding the Diagnosis of Pica
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6 min read
According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of Pica requires the persistent eating of nonnutritive, nonfood substances for at least one month. The term "pica test" is a misnomer, as there is no single test for this condition; instead, a doctor uses a comprehensive clinical evaluation involving patient history, physical exams, and lab tests to rule out underlying issues. This multi-faceted approach helps to identify the causes and complications of the compulsive eating disorder.
