Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: A Case Series

Abstract

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), a recently described eating disorder categorized under DSM-5, has varied clinical presentations. The primary eating disorders have well-established practice parameters for management. However, there is no evidence-based first line of management for ARFID. There is a significant gap in this evolving construct and clinical practice. We present a case series from a tertiary care center in India, focusing on clinical management. Four adolescents with 3 girls and 1 boy between 12 and 17 years of age were included in the study. Diagnosis and management were delayed in all. Mean body mass index was 15.36 (5.26) kg/m2 at the time of diagnosis. Key drivers were dread of choking, sensory characteristics, and avoidance of unpleasant upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms. This series supports a culturally cognizant hypothesis, an evidence based, viable management model for ARFID in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). A combination of family-based treatment (FBT) and cognitive behavior therapy is an effective treatment model for India and other LMICs.

Keywords

• avoidant restrictive food intake disorder
• cognitive behavior therapy for avoidant restrictive food intake disorder
• eating disorders
• family-based treatment
• india