Pica
Definition
Pica is the persistent craving and compulsive eating of non-food substances.
Description
The puzzling phenomenon of pica has been recognized and described since ancient times. Pica has been observed in ethnic groups worldwide, in both primitive and modernized cultures, in both sexes, and in all age groups. The word pica comes from the Latin name for magpie, a bird known for its unusual and indiscriminate eating habits. In addition to humans, pica has been observed in other animals, including the chimpanzee.
Demographics
True pica affects people of all ages, although it is more common in children. There are some regional variations concerning specific substances. For example, eating clay is more prevalent...
[The entire page is 1462 words long]