Eating and Growth Disorders in Infants and Children

Anorexia nervosa, obesity, failure to thrive and psychosocial dwarfism are among the major growth disorders considered in this volume. It describes the emergence and course of each specific disorder, discusses known or suspected risk factors and highlights unsolved clinical and research issues.

Do certain eating disorders directly correlate with neglect and abuse? What do eating and growth disorders have in common? And, are some treatment methods more successful than others in treating such disorders? In Eating and Growth Disorders in Infants and Children Woolston examines the relevant literature on each major eating and growth disorder from infancy through childhood. Among the disorders considered are failure to thrive, psychosocial dwarfism, rumination, pica, obesity, and anorexia nervosa. The author describes the emergence and course of each specific disorder, discusses known or suspected risk factors, and alerts the reader to unresolved clinical and research issues. Woolston also stresses the advantages of using a multidisciplinary team approach --including a pediatrician, a nurse, a developmental psychologist, a social worker, and a nutritionist--and points out that all aspects and levels of risk should be considered. Comprehensive, yet concise, this book presents an excellent overview of the various aspects of each disorder. It is an indispensable volume for professionals and students in developmental psychology, clinical psychology, psychiatry, social work, and nursing.