Can't stop eating paper and dirt.

Question

Asked for Female, 12 Years

I have suffered from this when I was younger and I can't stop having the craving for dirt and paper from books. When I get these cravings, I just eat them to satisfy my cravings. Can you explain why I have these strange cravings for non-food items?

Answers (1)

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Dr. S R Krishna Thalagavara Addiction Psychiatrist 18 yrs exp Bangalore · Accepted Answer

Dr. S R Krishna Thalagavara

Addiction Psychiatrist 18 yrs exp Bangalore

Sorry to hear about your behaviour. Your description suggests a condition called pica. It is normal in children and most grow out of the habit, as they grow old. In your case, there might be underlying possible obsessive compulsive component. Hence you would need a thorough assessment by psychiatrist. Best wishes.

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