Failure-to-Thrive—Adult
Definition
Failure-to-thrive is a decrease in mental and physical ability.
Causes
Failure-to-thrive is caused by more than 1 problem. It is not the same for each person. Chronic health problems often play a role.
For example, mental health problems can make it hard for some people to eat well. This can make a chronic health problem and overall health worse.
Risk Factors
Failure-to-thrive is more common in older adults. Other things that may raise the risk are:
- Having more than 1 chronic health problem
- Taking certain medicines
- Physical or cognitive limits
- Having little or no social interaction
- Limited income
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Symptoms
Symptoms may be:
- Lack of hunger
- Confusion
- Losing weight without trying
- Less activity
- Being more tired than usual
- Feelings of depression
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. You may also be asked about your diet and activities. A physical and mental health exam will be done.
Tests may be done to look for physical causes. It may take some time to find all the issues that are causing the problem.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the causes. Choices are:
Treating Current Health Problems
Changes may need to be made to manage chronic health problems. Sometimes a treatment can cause problems and may need to be changed.
Diet Changes
A dietitian can help with meal planning and food choices.
Supportive Therapy
Supportive care may be:
- Social workers who can suggest local services to help with shopping, meal delivery, and home care
- Physical or occupational therapy to help with movement
- Mental health counseling to talk about emotions
Medications
Medicine may be given for depression.
End-of-Life Care
Failure-to-thrive may be the end stage of an illness. Advance directives are important for a care plan. These formal documents can help guide medical care for people who cannot direct their own care. Other important documents include a living will and medical power of attorney.
Prevention
Get medical help for problems staying on a care plan for a chronic health problem.
RESOURCES:
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca
National Institute on Aging
https://www.nia.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The College of Family Physicians of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
REFERENCES:
Kumeliauskas L, Fruetel K, et al. Evaluation of older adults hospitalized with a diagnosis of failure-to-thrive. Can Geriatr J. 2013;16(2):49-53. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3671012. Accessed November 25, 2019.
Roberton R, Montagnini M. Geriatric failure-to-thrive. Am Fam Physician. 2004 Jul 15;70(2):343-350. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0715/p343.html. Accessed November 25, 2019.
Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD Last Updated: 4/20/2020