The behavior described, particularly involving putting non-food items into the mouth, is often referred to as Pica.
Understanding Pica
Pica is a term used to describe the persistent eating of non-food items. This condition goes beyond typical mouthing behaviors, such as those seen in infants exploring their environment.
According to a reference from 17-Apr-2019, individuals, such as children with pica, don't distinguish between edible and non-edible items. They tend to put all things, not just food, into their mouths.
Examples of Items Consumed in Pica
The reference provides specific examples of the types of non-food items that might be ingested by someone with Pica:
- A cigarette butt
- Lego pieces
- Dirt
- A coin
This behavior is distinct from normal developmental stages where infants explore objects by putting them in their mouths. Pica persists beyond infancy and is characterized by the consumption of substances that have no nutritional value.
Understanding Pica involves recognizing that it's not just putting something to the mouth, but often into the mouth and potentially swallowing it, without regard for whether it is food.
