Pica of infancy and childhood

This code represents an eating disorder characterized by the persistent craving and compulsive consumption of non-nutritive, non-food substances in infants and children. These substances can include dirt, clay, paint chips, hair, or other inedible items. The behavior must be developmentally inappropriate and not part of a culturally sanctioned practice.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a child or infant is regularly ingesting non-food items for at least one month, and this behavior is not attributable to a developmental stage (e.g., mouthing objects in infants). Supporting documentation should rule out other medical conditions or mental disorders that could explain the behavior.

• Ensure the patient's age is consistent with "infancy and childhood" to differentiate from adult pica.
• Verify that the behavior is persistent (typically at least one month) and not an isolated incident.
• Do not code concurrently with F50.83 (Pica in adults) as per Excludes1 note.