Pica is a disorder that is characterised by the urge to eat substances that are not food/nutritional, often compulsive urges. This can include the urge to eat anything from paper, soap, ash, chalk, soil etc. It exists most commonly in pregnant women, or developmentally disabled children.

Due to the content of food being eaten and digested, Pica is quite dangerous. Posioning can occur and internal damage can be caused if one swallows unsavory objects, and those that cannot be digested.

It is often caused by deficiencies, commonly Iron Deficiency. However if this is not the case, and the items are not being eaten for a nutritional reason, then a mental disorder is often diagnosed. Stress, including child abuse, can perpetuate the disorder.

Treatment should begin by analaysis from a psychiatrist and doctor, to determine the reasons for eating non-food/nutritional substances.