'Picky Eating' in Children May Lead to Anxiety, Depression: Study

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Is your child a 'picky eater'? A new study suggests that although picky eating may be suggestive of a deeper emotional problem, it is shouldn't worry parents as much.

New York Daily News writes that in a group of preschoolers, the research has discovered three types of picky eaters: extremely selective, less severe or known as 'moderate selected eating', and typical pickiness.

Extremely selective eaters make up only three percent of children and are more than likely to be experiencing anxiety or depression symptoms, while moderately selective eating is seen in 18 percent of children who only consumes a number of foods, and are twice in danger of developing anxiety symptoms within a span of two years.

Nancy Zucker, an eating disorder specialist, associate psychiatry professor and lead author of the study from Duke University, has noted that the typical pickiness may just be considered as normal dislike of the food, like not eating their vegetables. Zucker said that children belonging to this group can easily outgrow their pickiness once they mature.

The study has been conducted on 3400 preschool aged children, and 20 percent of these subjects have demonstrated signs of picky eating. The group has then conducted an interview and assessment to check the children's emotions and have concluded that moderate and severe types of selective eating have been directly linked to anxiety and depression, according to Huffington Post.

Two years later, the conclusion has became stronger after discovering that the kids who have been picky eaters during their preschool years have manifested anxiety disorders.

William Copeland, associate professor at Duke University School of Medicine, said the team cannot fully establish a cause-and-effect result but they have noted a more complex relationship exists. He said parents and medical experts should gather more details once their kids manifest signs of selective eating to verify if there are any existing problems in the household that may affect the child in any way.

Copeland, however, advised parents not to be too worried if their kids don't like to eat their vegetables. He explained hat if there are no signs of distress or other adverse symptoms, then parents should not make a big deal out of it.

CBS Local News states the researchers believe that the best way to prevent children from becoming picky eaters is to make mealtimes enjoyable and to incorporate and introduce new foods to kids randomly.

The study has been published in the journal Pediatrics last Aug. 3.