Abnormal psychology

1. Introduction to Feeding
and Eating Disorders
Feeding and eating disorders in infancy and early childhood can have a
significant impact on a child's growth and development.
Understanding these disorders is crucial for early intervention and effective
management.
by Sandhiya K

2. Feeding Disorders in Infancy and Early
Childhood
Failure to Thrive
A condition where a child's
growth drastically slows
down due to inadequate
nutrition.
Pica
A disorder characterized by
persistent and compulsive
eating of non-nutritive, non-
food substances.
Rumination Disorder
A rare eating disorder where
a person regurgitates and
re-chews food, leading to
weight loss.

3. Failure to thrive
• Definition: Failure to thrive refers to inadequate weight gain or inappropriate weight loss in infants and
young children.
• Causes: It can be caused by factors such as inadequate nutrition, medical conditions, or
environmental factors.
• Signs: Common signs include developmental delays, irritability, and lack of interest in feeding.

4. Pica
• Craving non-food substances: Individuals with Pica demonstrate a persistent eating of nonnutritive,
nonfood substances over a period of at least one month.
• Common substances: These substances may include hair, cloth, wool, soil, chalk, talcum powder,
paint, gum, metal, pebbles, charcoal, ash, clay, starch, or ice.
• Associated risks: Pica can lead to serious health problems, such as intestinal blockages, poisoning,
or nutritional deficiencies.

5. Rumination Disorder
• Repetitive Regurgitation: The disorder involves the repeated
regurgitation of food following ingestion.
• Re-chewing: Children may re-chew, re-swallow, or spit out the
regurgitated food.
• Physical Complications: This behavior is not due to a medical
condition and can lead to weight loss and malnutrition.

6. Eating Disorders in
Childhood and
Adolescence
Eating disorders in childhood and adolescence are serious mental health
conditions that can have a significant impact on physical and emotional well-
being. These disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, often
stem from complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and
psychological factors.

7. Anorexia Nervosa
Severe Weight Loss
Individuals with anorexia nervosa often
experience severe weight loss, which is
significantly below what is considered healthy
or normal.
Fear of Weight Gain
There is an intense fear of gaining weight or
becoming fat, despite being underweight. This
fear persists even when the individual is
clearly underweight.
Distorted Body Image
People with anorexia nervosa have a distorted
body image and perceive themselves as
overweight, even when they are clearly
underweight.
Restrictive Eating Habits
Restrictive eating habits and behaviors, such
as extreme calorie intake reduction and food
restriction, characterize anorexia nervosa.

8. Bulimia Nervosa
Recurrent Binge Eating
Individuals with bulimia nervosa often engage
in episodes of overeating with a sense of lack
of control.
Compensatory Behaviors
These episodes are followed by
compensatory behaviors such as self-induced
vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise.
Mental Health Impact
Bulimia nervosa can have severe impacts on
mental health, leading to feelings of guilt,
shame, and distress.
Physical Health Effects
The disorder can also lead to serious physical
health complications, including electrolyte
imbalances and damage to the digestive
system.

9. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Extreme Picky Eating
Children may avoid certain
foods due to sensory
issues or fear of eating.
Impact on Growth
Severe cases can lead to
significant weight loss and
nutritional deficiencies.
Anxiety around Food
There is often extreme
anxiety or distress related
to eating particular foods.

10. Other disorders of infancy and childhood
Sleep Disorders
Sleep disturbances in young
children, including difficulties
falling asleep, staying asleep,
or night terrors.
Reactive Attachment
Disorder
A severe inability to form
emotional attachments to
caregivers, often due to neglect
or abuse.
Disruptive Mood
Dysregulation Disorder
A childhood mood disorder
characterized by severe
temper outbursts and irritability
that are out of proportion to the
situation.