Pica: When Cravings Aren't Food

2026-09-22 · 31 min · episode 45 · 11 entities

episode page audio

Asserted relationships

→ hosted by Jerry L. Cunningham person

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→ discusses Education concept

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→ discusses Health & Fitness concept

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→ discusses Self-Improvement concept

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→ discusses Mental Health person

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Feed category: Mental Health

Entities found in this episode

concepts 7

mentioned Education concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Education
mentioned Health & Fitness concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Health & Fitness
mentioned Self-Improvement concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Self-Improvement
mentioned When Cravings Aren't Food concept

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evidence rules-v5
Pica: When Cravings Aren't Food
discusses Education concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Education
discusses Health & Fitness concept

0.40

evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Health & Fitness
discusses Self-Improvement concept

0.40

evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Self-Improvement

persons 4

mentioned Jerry L. Cunningham person

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evidence rules-v5
Feed author/publisher: Jerry L. Cunningham
hosted by Jerry L. Cunningham person

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evidence rules-v5
Feed author/publisher: Jerry L. Cunningham
mentioned Mental Health person

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Mental Health
discusses Mental Health person

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Mental Health

Episode description as stored

What happens when someone craves ice, paper, dirt, or even pieces of sheetrock—and cannot simply promise to stop? In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast , you will meet Jenny, whose behavior began with eating paper as a child and continued through adulthood and three pregnancies. Through Jenny's story, you will discover what pica looks like beyond its clinical definition, why people often hide it, and how shame can prevent them from seeking help. You will also learn about possible nutritional, medical, and emotional factors behind these cravings. Most importantly, you will hear how medical testing, prescribed supplements, cognitive behavioral therapy, safer replacement behaviors, and practical changes at home can help someone move forward. If you have ever wondered why someone would eat non-food substances—or why stopping can be so difficult—this episode offers answers without ridicule or judgment. Key Takeaways How to recognize the major signs of pica Why iron and zinc deficiencies may matter Medical dangers connected with non-food substances How CBT can help someone respond to cravings Why support works better than shame Find more episodes and resources at www.Quest-Success.com . Suggested Reading Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision Pica: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment — Cleveland Clinic Pica — MSD Manual Pica — StatPearls, National Library of Medicine The Association Between Pica and Iron-Deficiency Anemia Mentioned in This Episode #MyStrangeAddiction #TLC