Long-term effects of nonorganic failure to thrive.

Fourteen children admitted to the hospital at an average age of 12.5 years previously were reviewed in comparison with a group of children matched for age, sex, social class, and ethnic group. The children in the study group were smaller in height and weight, than children in the comparison group. They had lower scores on the verbal intelligence scale of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--Revised, poorer language development, and less well-developed reading skills. They had lower social maturity and a higher incidence of behavioral disturbances. There were no differences between the study and comparison groups in family size, maternal age, family health, social isolation, and mothers' childhood experiences. The study group mothers had less knowledge about their children's education, were more anxious, and had a tendency toward concrete thinking. To prevent the long-term adverse effects of nonorganic failure to thrive, a more active, practical, and long-term program, begun at the time of presentation, is recommended.