Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Identifying clinically relevant feeding problems and disorders
Victoria K Aldridge1, Terence M Dovey, Clarissa I Martin
1Loughborough University Centre for Research into Eating Disorders, Loughborough University, UK. V.Aldridge@lboro.ac.uk
Insights
This study addresses paediatric feeding dysfunctions, emphasizing psychological factors and promoting a behavioral approach for early identification and intervention in children. Early recognition of feeding problems can prevent medical complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Child Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Paediatric feeding dysfunctions are common but often lack awareness regarding psychological factors.
- Non-organic feeding problems require a behavioral approach for effective management.
- Early identification is crucial to prevent the development of medical complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To increase awareness of psychological factors in paediatric feeding issues.
- To promote a behavioral approach for identifying, referring, and treating feeding problems.
- To encourage early intervention by frontline healthcare providers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on current understanding and hypotheses of paediatric feeding dysfunctions.
- Identification of potential risk factors for poor feeding development.
- Description of characteristic child and caregiver behaviors indicative of feeding problems.
Main Results:
- Highlights the current lack of awareness of psychological factors in infant and child feeding.
- Outlines potential risk factors contributing to feeding development issues.
- Suggests specific child and caregiver behaviors that may signal feeding problems.
Conclusions:
- A behavioral approach is recommended for the identification, referral, and treatment of non-organic feeding problems.
- Early identification of feeding dysfunction symptoms by frontline healthcare professionals is vital.
- Timely intervention can prevent the onset of physical complaints and medical complications.
Abstract:
This paper outlines what is currently understood, and what can be hypothesized about paediatric feeding dysfunctions. The paper highlights the current lack of awareness of psychological factors implicated in infant and child feeding, and promotes a behavioural approach to the identification, referral and treatment of non-organic derived feeding problems and disorders. Potential risk factors to poor feeding development are outlined, and characteristic child and caregiver behaviours which may signify problems with feeding are suggested. The aim of this paper is to promote early identification of these symptoms in frontline healthcare in the hope of increasing early intervention before physical complaints, medical complications and/or disorders arise.
Related Concept Videos
Taste Buds and Receptors
Binge Eating Disorders
Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube through...
Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
Bulimia Nervosa
Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...

