title: An unusual case of pica.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Solyom
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Solyom
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Freeman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002032:Bulimia / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005518:Food Preferences; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D010553:Personality Development; D010556:Personality Tests; D010842:Pica / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy