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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Signs Of Having PICA Syndrome?

My adult daughter has just informed me that she has been eating playdoh. She did this on occasion as a small child so I removed the stuff from my house. Later, around the age of 9, it was discovered she had done it again. Playdoh has not been in my house for many many years. Now, she is 20 years old and tells me she has been eating it. Could this be a form of PICA?
posted on Mon, 9 Feb 2015
Twitter Wed, 4 Mar 2015 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 5 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on
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Neurologist,  's  Response
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

As you yourself suggested, yes these episodes fulfill the criteria for a PICA syndrome in case she doesn't have some other disorder like autism or schizophrenia to explain them.
Some routine tests should be done to check for other causes such as lack of zinc or iron, otherwise I think a psychiatric consult is recommended for an evaluation of the cause and possible psychological behavior changing therapy.

I hope to have been of help.
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What Are The Signs Of Having PICA Syndrome?

I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. As you yourself suggested, yes these episodes fulfill the criteria for a PICA syndrome in case she doesn t have some other disorder like autism or schizophrenia to explain them. Some routine tests should be done to check for other causes such as lack of zinc or iron, otherwise I think a psychiatric consult is recommended for an evaluation of the cause and possible psychological behavior changing therapy. I hope to have been of help.