What Is a Pica Diagnosis?

Pica is a recognised diagnosis describing the persistent eating of substances with no nutritional value – things like paper, soil, chalk, or hair – over a period of at least a month, in a way that is not appropriate to a person’s developmental stage and is not part of a culturally supported practice.

It’s identified more often in young children, in people with a learning disability or autism, and in pregnancy, though it can occur in other contexts too. Because pica can lead to real physical risks – poisoning, choking, intestinal blockage, infection – it isn’t something to simply monitor and hope resolves on its own.

A diagnosis is made by a qualified clinician, such as a GP, paediatrician, or psychiatrist, typically after ruling out other explanations for the behaviour and assessing how frequent, persistent and risky it is. If you support someone showing these signs, the appropriate next step is a referral for clinical assessment – this article is general background only, not a basis for diagnosis.

Last updated: 19 August 2026