LMSW Practice Test

The habitual ingestion of non-nutritive substances such as clay, soil, or leaves is most commonly associated with:

1. Major Depressive Disorder

2. Mental Retardation

3. Schizophrenia

4. An Amnestic Disorder

The correct answer is: Mental Retardation

People with mental retardation are at increased risk for consuming non-nutritive substances due to the link between mental retardation and pica, a disorder characterized by the persistent ingestion of non-food items. This behavior is not commonly associated with the other listed disorders. While individuals with major depressive disorder may experience changes in appetite and weight, this does not necessarily result in the ingestion of non-nutritive substances. Schizophrenia is associated with cognitive impairments and delusions, but not specifically with pica. An amnestic disorder primarily affects memory function and would not typically be associated with pica.