Are feeding disorders and feeding tube dependency the same?: A discrimination study between feeding disorders,...

Feeding disorders (FD) and feeding tube dependency (FTD) are defined by a persistent pattern of food aversion, but data regarding the frequency of food aversion symptoms are scarce. In this study, the frequency of aversion symptoms for FD, FTD and healthy eaters (HE) were compared.

We compared the frequency of food aversion symptoms in a group with FD (n = 32) and FTD (n = 39) to HE (n = 38) using the AFT questionnaire. This includes growth data as well as the feeding aversion scale and the frequency of food aversion symptoms.

HE were reported to have minor frequency of symptoms, while FD children were reported to have daily aversive symptoms. FTD patients had the highest frequency in total. There were significant differences between FD and FTD regarding the frequency of food refusal, vomiting and bizarre eating patterns, and there were different correlative patterns of food aversion.

Children with FD and FTD show significantly different patterns of feeding behaviour compared to healthy norms as well as to each other. This suggests individualised assessment and treatment programs may be most beneficial for the needs of children with FD and FTD.