Publications [#381144] of Nancy L. Zucker

Papers Published

1. Estrem, HH; Pederson, JL; Dodrill, P; Romeo, C; Thompson, K; Thomas, JJ; Zucker, N; Noel, R; Zickgraf, H; Menzel, J; Lukens, CT; Goday, PS; MacLaughlin, S; Sharp, WG (2025). A US-Based Consensus on Diagnostic Overlap and Distinction for Pediatric Feeding Disorder and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.. Int J Eat Disord, 58(3), 489-499. [doi]
   (last updated on 2025/06/16)

   Abstract:
   OBJECTIVE: As diagnoses covering dysfunctional feeding and eating in pediatrics, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) contain inherent areas of overlap in their diagnostic criteria. Areas of overlap include criteria regarding nutritional consequences associated with feeding/eating dysfunction and shared emphasis on possible psychosocial impairment associated with restricted food intake. Complicating the differential diagnosis process is a lack of guidance regarding when the two conditions occur independently, co-qualify, and/or transition into the other. Feeding Matters' Research Initiatives Task Force planned and hosted a PFD-ARFID consensus meeting, with the aim of reaching a consensus regarding diagnostic clarity on PFD and ARFID. METHOD: Criteria for participation focused on US residents who either: (a) served as an author on the ARFID workgroup or PFD consensus papers, or (b) provided community representation via board or committee roles. The consensus process followed three stages: prework, the meeting, and post-work/writing. Twelve participants were present for the meeting, with 14 involved in pre- and post-work/writing. RESULTS: The final panel included four psychologists representing the ARFID community and seven multidisciplinary members representing PFD's four domains (medical, nutrition, skill, and psychosocial) plus a Zero-to-Three community representative and two representatives from Feeding Matters. Results yielded 10 consensus statements and visuals to support the consensus statements. DISCUSSION: The consensus process and results underscore an ongoing need to improve diagnostic systems and reinforce calls for strengthening healthcare expertise for both PFD and ARFID. Community-based participatory research is recommended to advance both diagnoses and reduce ambiguity in practice settings.