Avoidance and/or restriction of certain foods or types of foods

Aetiology

• Associated conditions include ASD, anorexia, bulimia, and anxiety disorder

Pathophysiology

• Can lead to failure to grow, weight loss, physical and psychological health impacts
• Social impacts - especially where eating is part of the occasion
• Sensory based e.g. to texture, smell etc.
• Concern regarding consequences of eating particular foods e.g. fear of vomiting
  • May restrict to 'safe foods'
• Little interest in eating - little recognition of hunger, generally poor appetite

Clinical features

• Most people with ARFID will still maintain a healthy or typical body weight
• There are no specific outward appearances associated with ARFID

Management

• Treatment tailored to the individual's needs e.g. if anxiety driven CBT or SSRI medication, if co-morbid ASD help with sensory problems
• Nutritional input - assessment and help managing nutritional needs