F98.3
Pica of infancy and childhood
Coding guidance (WHO 2019)
Persistent eating of non-nutritive substances (such as soil, paint chippings, etc.). It may occur as one of many symptoms that are part of a more widespread psychiatric disorder (such as autism), or as a relatively isolated psychopathological behaviour; only the latter is classified here. The phenomenon is most common in mentally retarded children and, if mental retardation is also present, F70-F79 should be selected as the main diagnosis.
Sibling codes
F98Other behavioural and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescenceF98.0Nonorganic enuresisF98.1Nonorganic encopresisF98.2Feeding disorder of infancy and childhoodF98.4Stereotyped movement disordersF98.5Stuttering [stammering]F98.6ClutteringF98.8Other specified behavioural and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescenceF98.9Unspecified behavioural and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescence