DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2026.v12i07.005

Pages: 729-733

Background: Pica, defined as the persistent ingestion of non-nutritive and non-edible substances, represents a major clinical challenge in child and adolescent psychiatry. While its organic and behavioral dimensions are well documented, the role of environmental and psycho-affective factors in its emergence and maintenance remains insufficiently explored, particularly in the Moroccan context. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical and descriptive study of 16 patients aged 2 to 18 years, followed on an outpatient basis and/or in the day hospital of the child and adolescent psychiatry department of Ar-razi Hospital in Sale, over a three-month period. The diagnosis of Pica was established according to DSM-5-TR criteria. Fisher’s exact tests were used to explore associations between categorical variables, and Spearman correlation for continuous variables. Results: Our sample consisted of 16 patients. The mean age was 8.34 years, with an equal sex distribution. The most frequently ingested substances were paper (62%), soil (56%), and plastic (25%). Autism Spectrum Disorder was the main comorbidity (25%), followed by ADHD (20%). A disturbed family dynamic was found in 37% of cases, with a predominance of insecure attachment (75%). A trend toward association between active parental psychopathology and disturbed family dynamics was observed (OR = 9.00; p = 0.118), as well as between disturbed dynamics and affective deprivation (OR = 9.00; p = 0.118). A negative trend correlation between age and ingestion frequency was noted (rho = -0.49; p = 0.055). Parental repercussions were significant, with 94% reporting major anxiety and 92% constant hypervigilance. Psychoeducation and environmental securing were the primary therapeutic approaches (94%). Conclusion: Pica in child psychiatry reflects an etiological complexity combining neurodevelopmental disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and environmental vulnerabilities. Despite the limited sample size, clinically releva