Are mealtimes in your household a constant struggle over trying to get your kids to eat certain foods? As a parent, you’re more than likely to deal with a picky eater at some point. Picky eating is reported by about 14% to 20% of parents of preschoolers.[1] But while picky eating is usually a common childhood behavior, sometimes these habits may be depression or anxiety symptoms.
Moderate and severe picky eating habits are linked to depression and anxiety
In August 2015, the journal Pediatrics published a study that examined the association between picky eating habits and psychological symptoms in over 900 children aged two to six. About 20% of the parents of the children reported selective eating habits, with 17% rated as moderate selective eating and 3% as severe selective eating.[1]
Children who had severe selective eating were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression or social anxiety compared to those who weren’t picky eaters. Both moderate and severe picky eating were associated with significant increases in symptoms of depression, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety, while moderate selective eating was also associated with symptoms of ADHD and separation anxiety. Severe picky eating was associated with behavior problems outside of the home.[1]
Another important finding was that picky eating predicted psychological problems later on; kids who displayed selective eating were 1.7 times more likely to have increased symptoms of generalized anxiety after the approximate two-year follow up. This shows that picky eating may serve as a red flag for future mental health problems in a child.[1]
Beware warning signs of depression and anxiety in children
While in most cases, some picky eating habits are harmless, common childhood behaviors, the results of this study show that picky eating can be a sign of deeper problems.
Be sure to watch for other warning signs of depression and anxiety, like excessive worrying, hopelessness, frequent sadness and/or crying, boredom, low energy, social isolation or phobia, irritability, low self-esteem, and more. If you are concerned about the mental health of your child, talk with your doctor to discuss symptoms and an appropriate treatment plan.
To read more about depression and anxiety in kids, read:
- Why American Children Suffer From Depression Symptoms
- Vitamin Deficiency Triggers Depression in Children and Adults
- Study Links Depression in Children to Bisphenol A (BPA) from Canned Food
If you determine that picky eating isn’t a sign of underlying mental health issues, but simply a harmless habit of your child, read How to Get Kids to Eat Vegetables for tips on dealing with a fussy eater.
Share your experience
Do you have a picky eater in your family? What tips do you have for getting them to try new foods and eat a better diet? Have you ever noticed picky eating to be a sign of other psychological conditions in a child? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
[1] Pediatrics. 2015 Aug 3. pii: peds.2014-2386.
The post Depression and Anxiety in Children: Symptoms May Include Picky Eating Habits appeared first on Natural Health Advisory.
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