Wykorzystanie terapii behawioralnej jako głównej metody interwencji u dzieci i młodzieży w celu zwiększenia doustnej akceptacji pokarmów i płynów: systematyczny przegląd badań empirycznych

Katarzyna Bąbik , Monika Suchowierska-Stephany , Paweł Ostaszewski

Abstract

Introduction. Feeding problems occur among normally developing children as well as children with developmental delays. Their etiology might be classified as nonorganic, organic or mixed. Feeding difficulties among the pediatric population are often complex and require an interdisciplinary approach. The absence of appropriate intervention may lead to impaired nutritional status, underweight, intellectual and/or emotional impairment, and susceptibility to infectious diseases. Aim. The purpose of this article was a systematic review of the empirical researches regarding implementation of behavior therapy as an intervention among children and teenagers with eating problems with solids and/or liquids (e.g. feeding disorders, food refusal, food/drink selectivity). Material and methods. Experimental researches, which were published in peer-reviewed scientific journals between 2010 and 2014, were selected. A search strategy involved combination of keywords: feeding disorder, food refusal, pediatric feeding disorder, behavioral intervention, behavioral treatment, acceptance. Only publications containing description of used experimental design and the subject population of children and teenagers (0-18 years), were included in further analysis. Results. Twenty articles met the selection criteria. Studies in those articles show that strategies based on behavior therapy effectively increase acceptance of solids/liquids and decrease problem behaviors (e.g. inappropriate mealtime behaviors). Conclusions. The most effective intervention for feeding disorders, food refusal and food selectivity is behavioral therapy. Interdisciplinary cooperation is crucial during the therapy process.