ABSTRACT

This first chapter covers the characteristics of ARFID. It sets out the detail of the diagnostic criteria to help the reader understand the difference between ARFID and more normal picky or faddy eating, and to be able to differentiate it from anorexia nervosa or other eating disorders. Discussion of the formal definition of ARFID includes information about aspects related to an individual’s eating that are currently required to be present for a diagnosis to be applicable, including consideration of other possible situations or conditions that may explain the eating difficulty. The chapter includes discussion about the factors that may be driving the avoidance or restriction of food intake, as well as the impact of the eating behaviour. The question of whether there are subtypes of ARFID is raised, as well the question whether ARFID is best regarded as a feeding disorder or an eating disorder. Five case examples are included, to illustrate points made in the text.