Comparison of clinical presentation and management of children and adolescents with ARFID between paediatrics and child and adolescent psychiatry: a prospective surveillance study.

Objective: To compare the clinical presentations, management and outcomes of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) across paediatric and child and adolescent (C&A) psychiatric settings.

Study design: Prospective surveillance study.

Methods: Data were collected during a 13-month prospective surveillance study of children and adolescents with ARFID in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Paediatricians reported cases via the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit and psychiatrists through the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Surveillance System. A follow-up questionnaire was sent at 12 months after a case of ARFID was reported.

Results: 319 cases were included, 189 from paediatricians and 130 from C&A psychiatrists. Patients presenting to paediatricians were younger (9.8 years vs 13.7 years), more often male (62.4% vs 43.1%), and had more chronic symptoms (80.4% vs 67.0%), selective eating (63.7% vs 46.6%) and comorbid autism (67.6% vs 50.0%) than to psychiatrists. Psychiatrists saw patients with more fear of aversive consequences from eating (13.1% vs 3.2%), weight loss (76.7% vs 65.0%) and comorbid anxiety (78.2% vs 47.4%). Patients presenting to paediatricians more often received medical monitoring (74.6% vs 53.1%), dietetic advice (83.1% vs 70.0%) and nutritional supplements (49.2% vs 30.0%). At follow-up, both cohorts improved in nutritional status. However, the psychiatric cohort improved more regarding disordered eating behaviours.

Conclusions: The presentation and management of ARFID differs across clinical settings. Findings suggest the need to develop clinical pathways for ARFID assessment and management across paediatrics and mental health. Our findings highlight the potential benefits of psychiatric input for some patients with ARFID.