Psychotherapy or counseling, if parents have emotional problems that prevent a healthy relationship with the child. Parents should read books and pamphlets on child-rearing or attend parenting classes. If an underlying disorder is causing failure to thrive, medication to treat the condition may be prescribed. Activity No restrictions. If malnutrition is causing failure to thrive, a special diet may be required.
Child remains small and developmentally slow.
If proper care is not provided in the home, foster care may be necessary. If failure to thrive is caused by parental inexperience or psychological problems, recovery is possible with education and counseling for the parents. If failure to thrive is caused by an underlying physical illness or disorder, including malnutrition, recovery depends on whether the condition can be corrected.