The disorder can lead to intestinal blockages, toxic side effects, and other health issues.

Pica disorder is also seen in people living with anautism spectrum disorder.

This article explains pica symptoms and health issues that may follow the ingestion of non-food material.

It explains common types of pica and their causes, as well as pica treatment.

Verywell / Laura Porter

What Do People With Pica Eat?

Pica types have different names, based on describing the bang out of non-food items that people eat.

Iron and zinc deficiencies can trigger pica cravings.

Pica in Autistic Children

Several factors have been linked with pica in autistic kids.

The reasons these kids often crave nonfoods may include the following.

How Is Pica Diagnosed?

Pica is not diagnosed based on specific lab tests.

Other tests may then follow based on symptoms and what the person may be eating.

What Are the Complications of Pica?

These symptoms and conditions need to be evaluated more urgently by a healthcare provider.

How Is Pica Treated?

Pica disorder treatment varies depending on the underlying factors linked with the condition.

It’s important for healthcare providers to address the symptoms that often result from pica.

These symptoms differ depending on which nonfood items are ingested.

It’s been seen in people with bipolar disorder.

Treatments that address the pica behavior itself may include:

Is Pica a Form of OCD?

Obessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) behavior patterns don’t explain all types and cases of pica disorder.

However, OCD has been associated with pica symptoms, sometimes leading to an OCD diagnosis.

In kids, pica usually improves as they grow up.

Behavioral assessments help to identify and treat associated problem behaviors, such as aggression.

Pregnant people with pica will often experience a resolution of symptoms when the pregnancy ends.

Coping With Pica

Pica disorder can be very challenging.

Its important to reach out and find experienced local professionals trained in treating compulsive behavior conditions such as pica.

Nutritional deficiencies may be at the root of some types of pica.

Treatment includes supplementing deficient nutrients, behavioral therapy, and medication.

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