Bibliometric insights into pica: A psychological perspective on evolving research trends

Abstract

Pica is a multifaceted eating disorder involving the persistent ingestion of non-nutritive substances, often associated with significant medical and psychological risks. This study presents the first bibliometric analysis on pica, aiming to consolidate and examine the breadth of research in this field. We analyzed 386 publications from the Web of Science database to explore evolving research trends and thematic developments related to pica. Employing bibliographic coupling, we identified five thematic clusters illuminating diverse aspects of pica, including neurobiological and adaptive mechanisms, behavioral interventions in developmental disabilities, and diagnostic and treatment innovations in feeding disorders. Meanwhile, co-word analysis uncovered four additional research streams, highlighting intersections between nutritional deficiencies, mental health, and lifespan care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities. Our findings underscore the complexity and interdisciplinary nature of pica, revealing how biological, psychological, and environmental factors collectively shape both etiology and management strategies. In particular, the growing emphasis on personalized, function-based interventions—ranging from behavioral therapies to pharmacological treatments—signals a shift toward more integrative approaches in clinical practice. This is further supported by emerging research on technology-assisted interventions and animal models, which offer promising avenues for understanding and addressing pica at individual and population levels. Overall, this inaugural bibliometric synthesis of pica highlights current evidence-based strategies for early detection and intervention and underscores the need for culturally sensitive, multidisciplinary frameworks that span clinical, developmental, and community contexts. These insights lay a foundation for future collaborative endeavors and targeted research aimed at improving outcomes for individuals affected by this complex disorder.