Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: A Case Series

• Published in: Current medical issues 2024-10, Vol.22 (4), p.249-254
• Main Authors: Chikkala, Swetha Madhuri, Russell, Paul Swamidhas Sudhakar, Basker, Mona, Joseph, Rachna George, Bavishna, Santhanababu, Sebastian, Sneha Maria, Reshmi, Y. S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: avoidant restrictive food intake disorder; cognitive behavior therapy for avoidant restrictive food intake disorder; eating disorders; family-based treatment; india
• ISSN: 0973-4651; 2666-4054
• DOI: 10.4103/cmi.cmi_74_24

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), a recently described eating disorder categorized under DSM-5, has varied clinical presentations. The primary eating disorders have well-established practice parameters for management. However, there is no evidence-based first line of management for ARFID. There is a significant gap in this evolving construct and clinical practice. We present a case series from a tertiary care center in India, focusing on clinical management. Four adolescents with 3 girls and 1 boy between 12 and 17 years of age were included in the study. Diagnosis and management were delayed in all. Mean body mass index was 15.36 (5.26) kg/m 2 at the time of diagnosis. Key drivers were dread of choking, sensory characteristics, and avoidance of unpleasant upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms. This series supports a culturally cognizant hypothesis, an evidence based, viable management model for ARFID in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). A combination of family-based treatment (FBT) and cognitive behavior therapy is an effective treatment model for India and other LMICs.