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Long-term follow-up of nonorganic failure to thrive (NOFT) reveals persistent developmental issues. Early intensive social support is crucial to mitigate lasting effects of NOFT in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Psychology
- Social Work
Background:
- Nonorganic failure to thrive (NOFT) is a complex condition affecting child development.
- Long-term outcomes for children with NOFT require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term physical, educational, and psychological outcomes of children diagnosed with NOFT.
- To identify factors contributing to adverse outcomes in NOFT.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 21 children diagnosed with NOFT.
- Follow-up assessment at an average of 6 years 4 months post-initial presentation.
- Evaluation included physical measurements, educational attainment, and intelligence testing.
Main Results:
- Most children achieved normal height and weight.
- Common findings included abnormal personality traits (50%) and delayed reading age (66%).
- 1/3 showed significantly lower verbal than performance IQ scores; 2 children died under suspicious circumstances.
- Families exhibited high rates of marital instability and economic hardship.
Conclusions:
- NOFT can lead to significant long-term personality and educational deficits.
- Family socioeconomic factors are strongly associated with NOFT outcomes.
- Integrated medical and intensive social support is essential for ameliorating NOFT's long-term impact.
Abstract:
Twenty-one children diagnosed as having nonorganic failure to thrive were reviewed at an average of 6 years 4 months after their initial presentation. Most of the children were found to be of normal height and weight but disorders in personality traits and educational attainments were common. One half of the children have abnormal personalities. Two thirds have a delayed reading age. Intelligence testing shows that one third have verbal scores significantly lower than their performance scores. Two children from the original series have died in suspicious circumstances. The families of these children have a high incidence of marital instability and economic difficulties. The traditional medical approach to nonorganic failure to thrive needs to be complemented by intensive social support for these families at the time of initial presentation in the hope that the long-term effects of this syndrome can be ameliorated.