RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The relation between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and maternal psychopathology as well as the role of impairments in mother-child interactions in the perpetuation of feeding problems in children with GERD was previously implicated but not confirmed. The present study aimed to study the relation between maternal psychopathology and feeding problems in children with GERD and the effects of GERD on the psychomotor development of children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The case group included 39 children with GERD and their mothers and the comparison group included 39 healthy children and their mothers. The groups were matched for age, gestational age, socioeconomic status, and sex. Scales used for the psychiatric assessment of mothers were the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Eating Attitudes Test, and Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised. The children's developmental levels were assessed by the Brunet-Lezine Revised test. RESULTS: Maternal Beck Anxiety Inventory, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Eating Attitudes Test, and Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised scores were significantly higher in the case group. Forced feeding and maternal thoughts of the child's feeding as insufficient were associated with a high level of maternal attachment-related anxiety and avoidance. Children with GERD had significantly lower Brunet-Lezine-Revised scores. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal psychopathology, especially insecure attachment, may play a role in the feeding problems in children with GERD. Children with GERD should be examined for maternal psychopathology and feeding problems so that maladaptive feeding behaviors can receive appropriate intervention before the development of negative reinforcement to feeding. The psychomotor development of children should be kept in mind.