Signs and Symptoms

Food phobia of childhood, primarily seen in pre- or early pubertal children is sometimes mentioned by the general title “functional dysphagia” or “choking phobia”. We at the Kartini Clinic prefer the more intuitive “food phobia.”

The following are some symptoms and characteristics of food phobia:

• often strikes younger children, both girls and boys
• a fear of swallowing, of choking or vomiting
• complete refusal to eat and sometimes even to drink
• often associated with other anxiety disorders
• responds well to treatment
• has a good long-term prognosis if it is treated

For more information about this program, you may submit an online request or simply call us on 503 249 8851 and ask for our intake coordinator. They will be able to provide you with more detailed information regarding treatment for food phobia at Kartini Clinic.