Severe Nutritional and Psychosocial Deficits in Avoidant/ Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Case Report

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Eating Disorders

Background:

• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a diagnostic category in DSM-5 and proposed in ICD-11.
• ARFID is characterized by persistent avoidance or restriction of food intake, leading to nutritional deficiencies or psychosocial impairment.
• Limited case reports exist, highlighting the need for further clinical understanding.

Observation:

• A case of a 25-year-old female diagnosed with ARFID is presented.
• The patient exhibited significant challenges in food intake and nutritional status.
• The diagnostic process and subsequent management strategies were complex.

Findings:

• The case illustrates the diagnostic complexities associated with ARFID.
• Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach tailored to individual patient needs.
• Early identification and intervention are crucial for better outcomes.

Implications:

• This case contributes to the limited literature on ARFID, aiding clinicians in recognizing and diagnosing the disorder.
• Understanding the challenges in ARFID diagnosis and management can inform clinical practice guidelines.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiology and optimal treatment strategies for ARFID.