[Appetite and nutrition]

Physiological, pathological and therapeutic aspect of appetite are reviewed. The importance of developmental alterations originated at early infancy and lack of appropriate interactions between mother and infant in abnormalities of appetite are emphasized. The role of vitamins, minerals and appetite stimulating drugs is analyzed and major disturbances of appetite and feeding conducts are described together with some therapeutic considerations on anorexia nervosa, bulimia, pica and rumination.