An unusual case of pica

This paper presents the case of a 29 year old woman who compulsively ate rocks and pebbles, a habit developed in childhood. Extensive psychometric testing did not demonstrate phobias, obsessions, tendency to increased anxiety, depression or anorexic or bulimic disorder. The development of pica is partially explained by a childhood eating disorder, obsessive personality traits, cultural factors and specific (personality induced) stresses. Stress-reducing measures were successful in eliminating the eating disorder.