What defines Pica as a feeding disorder?

Pica is specifically characterized by the consumption of nonfood substances that are inappropriate for the individual's developmental level. This disorder is marked by the ingestion of items such as dirt, clay, paper, soap, cloth, and even more bizarre materials, which do not provide nutritional value and may have the potential to harm the individual physically.

This criterion is distinct because it centers on the behavior of eating items that are not classified as food, rather than issues related to body image, communal practices, or specific feeding behaviors like regurgitation. The definition emphasizes a clear distinction between acceptable food choices and the atypical, bizarre consumption patterns seen in individuals with Pica, aligning with the DSM-5-TR's understanding of this feeding disorder. Therefore, the provided definition encapsulates the essence of Pica by focusing on inappropriate consumption habits rather than other elements associated with different feeding or eating disorders.