Nutritional versus behavioural intervention in children with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of nutritional intervention compared to behavioural intervention to increase food acceptance and improve the nutritional status among children with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Method: Six participants (3-4 years old) diagnosed with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder took part in the study. They were randomly assigned to one of the two interventions, either a nutritional or behavioural approach. Results: The percentage of food acceptance increased for patients in the behavioural intervention group, but not for the nutritional intervention group (until later implementation of behavioural intervention). Moreover, the z-score for body mass index increased only after implementing behavioural intervention. The total score on the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale decreased only after implementation of intervention based on behavioural approach. Inappropriate mealtime behaviour decreased across all participants after implementation of behavioural intervention. Discussion: Behavioural intervention seems to be promising for children with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder to increase the oral intake of solid food and improve their growth.