[The avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: a new feeding and eating disorder in the diagnostic systems].

Abstract

The Avoidant-restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) was included in the fifth edition of the DSM in 2013 and in the BNO-11 diagnostic manual in 2019. Prior to this, the problem was often unrecognised or diagnosed as an eating disorder not otherwise specified or feeding and eating disorders of infancy or early childhood. The new diagnosis allows for better targeting of patients who have not been diagnosed earlier, as well as for the diagnosis of patients over the age of six. The authors, in their review, describe the diagnostic features and symptom profile of ARFID, and they discuss the role of the main etiological factors involved in its development, such as sensory hypersensitivity, congenitally strong aversive and neophobic reactions, cognitive rigidity, high levels of anxiety, relative insensitivity to interoceptive cues of hunger, and characteristic taste and smell preferences. Different treatment options are also discussed. Although there are still gaps in evidence-based treatments due to the short history of the diagnosis, some existing therapies with some modifications or newer approaches may be well suited to treat ARFID. In addition to cognitive behavioural therapy, exposure therapy, and family-based treatment approaches with modifications, the importance of psychoeducation of parents and a family-tailored treatment plan is emphasised. The authors highlight that effective approaches to ARFID are often counter-intuitive, making it of paramount importance to gain the trust and cooperation of parents.