non organic failure to thrive
Last reviewed 01/2018
Non organic failure to thrive may be considered as one of the earliest indications of serious parent/child interaction dysfunction. It is a form of neglect in which the child's growth is inhibited in the home environment while showing a normal or above growth velocity when placed out of home, such as in hospital or in alternative care. It is caused by both caloric deprivation accompanied by emotional deprivation.
Weight gain, when taken out of home, of greater than 45gms per day over 2 weeks or 60gms per day over a 1 week period is considered diagnostic.