Transient Eating Disorder in Early Childhood A Case Report

Although children in infancy present eating problems of multifarious nature, the diagnostic classification of infant eating disorders remains markedly deficient. The authors present a case exhibiting transient eating disorder in early childhood, alongside discussion of some considerations relevant to this age group. The subject was a boy aged 5 years 6 months at first presentation. Starting with an inability to swallow "sushi" at dinner, he was brought to the clinic for inability to ingest food or liquids. Treatment was planned as play therapy for the patient, and psychological interviews for the mother. The child's symptoms were improved in five sessions, but interviews of the mother revealed eating disorders such as bulimia and vomiting, and sexual problems in the marital relationship, necessitating long-term therapy.