Cognitive and Behavioral Strategies for the Treatment of Feeding Disorders in Adolescents

Purpose Significant feeding problems often, but not always, co-occur with medical, developmental, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Consequently, providers from multiple disciplines often interact with these patients for treatment. There is limited research and guidance in the literature about working with young adolescent patients who demonstrate feeding challenges. This article describes some of the most common evidence-based psychological techniques used in the treatment of adolescents with feeding disorders, including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral techniques. A case example is also used to illustrate these principles in practice. The goal of this article is to provide a high-level overview of these concepts so that providers outside of psychology may utilize some of the theories in treatment with similar patients, when referral to a behavioral specialist or psychologist is not feasible. Conclusions This clinical commentary discusses common strategies used by psychologists to treat feeding disorders, especially those primarily with anxiety presentation, in the outpatient setting. The psychological techniques described herein are complementary with most therapeutic strategies for the treatment of feeding disorders and, in many cases, may further enhance the success of the therapy treatment process. The most important theme of these techniques is a gradual approach to exposure and teaching of appropriate coping strategies to manage anxiety when practicing a new or challenging task. Providing education to the patient and parent, while also allowing understanding of the underlying process of anxiety as it relates to behavior, mood, and thoughts, can help guide treatment planning and goal setting.