Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder in a 68-Year-Old

Avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a feeding/eating disorder characterized by malnourishment due to highly restrictive eating patterns. Behaviors may be directly related to lack of interest in food, sensory/textural preferences, or fears of the aversive consequences of eating. The following is a case report of a 68-year-old woman who presented more than 30 times to a family medicine clinic within a 3.5 year time span for chronic nausea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. An extensive medical evaluation was unremarkable. Due to severely low body mass index and non-adherence with nutritional recommendations, the patient was referred to a specialty outpatient clinic that cared for individuals with disordered eating and was diagnosed with ARFID. In order to raise awareness about RFID, the diagnostic criteria and screening/assessment information are provided. Special emphasis is placed on screening and early detection by primary care clinicians to ensure individuals with RFID receive appropriate treatment in a timely manner.