Physicians generally diagnose pica based on the patient’s symptoms and eating habits. During an initial consultation, a physician will perform a thorough physical examination including:

• Checking vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure
  
  
• Evaluation of the patient’s skin, abdomen and teeth

A physician will also compile a comprehensive medical history including any history of physical and psychological disorders, such as:

• Autism
• Brain injuries
  Mental retardation
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Physicians will also inquire about the patient’s history of dieting and/or eating patterns. Neurological examinations may also be performed to evaluate potential causes of the abnormal eating behavior, such as a brain tumor or injury.

In addition, a physician may order diagnostic tests to look for any signs of complications of pica including malnutrition, intestinal obstruction or perforation, digestive problems (e.g., constipation, diarrhea), dental injuries and infection or disease as a result of eating items contaminated with bacteria or other organisms.

Additional diagnostic tests may include:

• Blood tests. Laboratory analyses – including a complete blood count (CBC) – of blood samples to measure levels of hormones, enzymes, proteins, electrolytes, vitamins and other substances. These tests can assess the function of various organ systems including the liver, kidney and thyroid and pituitary glands. A blood test may also indicate toxins and/or other poisonous substances in the blood.
  
  
• Urinalysis. Chemical examination of a patient’s urine sample to screen for urinary tract infections, kidney disease and diseases of other organs that result in the appearance of abnormal metabolites (break-down products) in the urine.
  
  
• Imaging tests (e.g., x-ray, CAT scan). These tests are useful in detecting the presence of any damage and/or blockages in the stomach, digestive tract and organs caused by eating nonfood substances.