ABSTRACT
Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterised by restrictive stive eating which is not driven by a desire to lose weight. Due to its recent recognition as an eating disorder, there is still a lot unknown. It tends to present in childhood, is more common in males compared to other eating disorders, and can have a significant impact on people's lives and health, with potential complications developing due to malnutrition. ARFID may develop due to a combination of factors, including biological (e.g. genetics and gastrointestinal disorders), psychological (e.g. anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder), and sociocultural (e.g. parental pressure to eat and limited exposure to certain foods). In this chapter, I will discuss the underlying causes of the disorder, how it may present and the signs to look out for, what to expect at an initial consultation with a doctor, potential complications which may develop, and finally a summary of the current discussion around treatment options.
