The Pervasive Refusal Syndrome: The RAHC Experience

Abstract

The Pervasive Refusal Syndrome was only recently described in a British sample of four children. This article presents an Australian sample of seven children seen over a period of four years at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Sydney. Criteria for case inclusion are specified. The features of this sample of children are described and the components of our treatment programme are summarized. Outcome is reported briefly. Issues of differential diagnosis are elaborated highlighting the distinctive nature of the syndrome and its relationship to other disorders. The study of the syndrome and the relationship of the Australian sample to the British sample are considered.