Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is an eating disorder characterized by restrictive eating not motivated by body image disturbance, leading to significant nutritional deficiency, weight loss, or psychosocial impairment. Etiology includes sensory sensitivities, aversive feeding experiences, and anxiety-related mechanisms affecting appetite regulation. Clinically, patients present with limited food variety or quantity, fear of choking or vomiting, and significant weight or growth impairment in children. Diagnosis involves detailed nutritional, medical, and psychological assessment, with exclusion of anorexia nervosa or other eating disorders. Management integrates behavioral feeding interventions, nutritional rehabilitation, and psychotherapy targeting underlying anxiety or sensory avoidance. Prognosis is generally favorable with early, structured, multidisciplinary intervention.