Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

DEFINITION

• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) encompasses atypical patterns of food intake or avoidance. These patterns are not motivated by weight change or body image; cannot be explained by a medical illness, a culturally sanctioned practice, or another eating disorder; and result in weight/nutritional disturbances or functional impairment. If a medical condition is present, the eating disturbance exceeds what is expected.
• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder may lead to significant weight loss or lack of appropriate weight gain, nutritional deficiencies, dependence on enteral feedings or oral nutritional supplements, and/or impairment in psychosocial functioning.
• Common reasons for inadequate food intake may include fear of choking or vomiting, disinterest in eating, and issues with how food looks, feels, or tastes[1].
• DSM-5-TR diagnosis requires one (or more) of the following: (1) significant weight loss/failure to gain; (2) nutritional deficiency; (3) dependence on enteral feeding or supplements; (4) marked interference with psychosocial functioning