Eating disorder

Pica is a serious behavioral problem that is characterized by a persistent craving and a compulsive urge to eat items that are not food. It is classified as a feeding and eating disorder of childhood. The disorder affects children, pregnant women, certain cultures and the mentally disabled. Substances that may be ingested include, but are not limited to, chalk, hair, glue, paper, toothpaste, soap, baking soda, cigarette butts, vinyl gloves, light bulbs, needles, string, wire, matches, erasers, fingernails, coal, plastic, feces, pebbles, stones, clay, paint, wool, ashes, dirt, ice and laundry detergent.

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