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Current Research on Feeding Disorders
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Feeding disorders are eating related challenges specific to children, from infancy through early childhood, which are characterized by a refusal to consume certain food groups. Feeding disorders can be classified by one of the following subtypes:
- Post-traumatic feeding disorder
- Infantile anorexia
- Feeding disorder of state regulation
- Feeding disorder associated with concurrent medical conditions
- Sensory food aversion
- Feeding disorder of reciprocity (neglect)
Signs and Symptoms of Feeding Disorders
Research has demonstrated that infants and children with feeding difficulties may exhibit a variety of signs and symptoms. Symptoms may vary based on the underlying factors that may be present and influencing feeding difficulties, such as other medical conditions or co-occurring mental illness. Children with feeding disorders may appear to be picky eaters.
Others may exhibit extreme distress at meal times or feeding. Some may react adversely to certain textures, liquids, or even entire food groups. Symptoms that may be exhibited include gagging or vomiting, choking while eating, crying during feeds, chewing and spitting out foods, irritability while eating, difficulty chewing and/or breastfeeding, difficulty coordinating breathing and eating, and more.
The implications of feeding disorders are far reaching and can affect a child physically, emotionally, and socially. A child struggling with a feeding disorder is not only at risk for developing malnutrition, dehydration, and/or chronic respiratory infections but psychosocial issues as well.
Causes of Feeding Disorders
As feeding disorders continue to be researched, the factors that influence the development of these illnesses continues to be better understood. The possible causes of feeding disorders in children can also vary and range from medical, behavioral, psychological and environmental influences. Some of the known associated conditions with feeding disorders may include but are not limited to sensory problems, failure to thrive, gastrointestinal motility disorders, prematurity, nervous system disorders (such as meningitis, encephalopathy, cerebral palsy), respiratory difficulties, medications that influence decreased appetite, chronic treatment with feeding tubes, and oral-motor dysfunction.
Appropriately diagnosing any underlying conditions related to the feeding disorder are crucial for effective treatment. Because treatment 
protocols for feeding disorders are not one-size fits all, understanding the potential causes of the feeding disorder can improve the prognosis of the child and the overall recovery and treatment efforts.
Several diagnostic tools can be utilized to help assess the factors associated with the feeding disorder. A comprehensive treatment team can be helpful for the assessment and diagnosis of feeding disorders, including a speech-language pathologist, physical therapist, physician, registered dietitian, developmental specialist and occupational therapist. Many aspects of a child may be tested and assessed to gain a better picture of the various factors influencing the feeding disorder, including oral movements, chewing and swallowing capabilities, posture, behavior, muscle movement, and more.
The diagnostic process may seem lengthy but the steps often taken with a specialized feeding disorder team can help define a treatment protocol that meets the individual needs that the child might be facing.
Treatment Approaches
Implementing evidenced-based treatment approaches for feeding disorders is necessary for preventing a worsening of symptoms and problematic issues. Based on the diagnostic process, a feeding team might recommend a variety of treatment interventions that might include medical interventions, medication management, behavioral management techniques, exposure therapy with food textures and temperatures, feeding therapy, nutritional changes, and interventions aimed at increasing muscle tone and coordination.
Ideally, a comprehensive treatment plan should be developed among the various health professionals involved for congruency and closely involve all family members who are involved with the feeding and supporting the child at home. Because of the many different complexities involved with feeding disorders and the various factors that can influence the development of these illnesses, a thorough assessment and treatment plan is fundamental for the recovery process.
Children may have increased vulnerabilities that can exacerbate the effects of feeding disorders, and for this reason, treatment interventions should be implemented as soon as is feasible.
Community Discussion- Share your thoughts here!
What is the importance of collaborative work among professionals for children suffering with feeding disorders?
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on August 14, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
