NONORGANIC FAILURE TO THRIVE - LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP

Abstract

Twenty-one children diagnosed as having nonorganic failure to thrive were reviewed at an average of 6 yr 4 mo. after their initial presentation. Most of the children were 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 1/3 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.