Pica self-check
A gentle check-in for repeated urges to eat non-food substances and possible medical risks.
Not a diagnosis. This original educational check-in is not a validated screening test. Your answers stay on this device.
8 questions · about 2 minutes · all quizzes
You do not need to match every sign to deserve support.
Question 1 of 8
Your Pica reflection
A possible first sentence: “I am worried about my eating and I would like a physical and mental health assessment.”
Your answers were not sent to Lauren or saved.
About Pica
Pica involves persistently eating non-food, non-nutritive substances in a way that is not developmentally appropriate or part of a culturally supported practice. Medical assessment matters because nutritional deficiencies, poisoning, infection, choking or intestinal problems may be involved.
This self-check cannot assess all diagnostic criteria, medical causes, severity or overlapping conditions. A comprehensive physical and mental health assessment is the right next step when concerns persist.
These are understandable questions. This page can help you notice patterns and find language for a conversation, but no online quiz can provide a diagnosis.
Information checked September 1, 2026.
Support before certainty
Tell a family doctor or nurse practitioner what has been happening. Ontario residents can call 811 for free nursing advice, day or night.
NEDIC provides information and help finding care across Canada. Call 1-866-633-4220, call 416-340-4156 in Toronto, or visit nedic.ca. NEDIC is not a crisis line.
Lauren Hofstee, RD provides virtual, weight-inclusive eating disorder nutrition counselling across Ontario.
Contact a local primary care professional or eating disorder service. If you are in immediate danger, use your local emergency number or crisis service.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. In Canada, call or text 988 if you are thinking about suicide.
This private self-check needs JavaScript to move between questions. You can still contact Lauren or use the support links above.