Is pica a mental disorder?

　　Pica falls within the scope of mental health disorders and is included in diagnostic criteria for mental disorders. Its core feature is the persistent consumption of non-nutritive, inedible substances, a behavior that cannot be easily controlled by willpower and may negatively impact physical and mental health. If persistent pica behavior occurs alongside emotional disturbances or physical discomfort, timely medical evaluation is recommended.

　　Pica is often associated with psychological and emotional factors and is commonly seen in children, adolescents, and individuals experiencing psychological distress. It frequently co-occurs with emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness, or is linked to abnormal cognitive development and psychological trauma—aligning closely with core characteristics of mental disorders.

　　The onset of pica may also relate to physical factors such as nutritional deficiencies or intestinal parasitic infections. However, physical causes alone often fail to explain the behavior's persistence and compulsive nature. Effective improvement typically requires interventions addressing psychological and emotional aspects, indicating that pica is fundamentally more consistent with a mental or psychological disorder.

　　In daily life, attention should be paid to an individual’s emotional state, with emphasis on providing sufficient companionship and open communication, avoiding excessive criticism of the pica behavior. Offering a varied, nutritionally balanced diet can help redirect attention away from inedible substances, supporting the development of healthy eating habits and improved psychological well-being.