Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)is a relatively new diagnosis.
A person with ARFID limits the amount and/or punch in of food they eat.
However, ARFID is more than just being a “picky eater.”
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ARFID is most often diagnosed in children and adolescents, but people of any age can have the condition.
More research is needed to determine how many people in the general population have ARFID.
To be diagnosed with ARFID, a person must meet the following criteria.
A person of any age can be diagnosed with ARFID.
Providers can use several screening tools to diagnose ARFID and differentiate it from other eating and feeding disorders.
Who Can Diagnose ARFID?
The EPSI helps differentiate between anorexia and ARFID.
The PARDI takes about 39 minutes to complete and is free to clinicians.
Researchers recommend clinicians use the NIAS with another validated eating disorder screening tool.
Labs and Tests
A thorough medical evaluation is an integral part of the diagnosis process for ARFID.
Ensuring you receive the correct diagnosis will help you get the appropriate treatment.
Many children have some level of picky eating, which usually involves avoiding one or two foods.
Parents and caregivers must understand that ARFID is more than “picky eating.”
Malnourishment
Malnutrition is a consequence of many eating and feeding disorders.
Differential Diagnosis
Differential diagnosisis a process that medical professionals use to diagnose health conditions.
When a person has more than one condition, it’s called comorbidity.
ARFID is a relatively new diagnosis and rises above picky eating.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one might have ARFID, speak to a healthcare professional.
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).
American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed.
Washington D.C.: 2013.
2023;3(2):e12160.
2018;51(2):170-173. doi:10.1002/eat.22814
