Psychological and Sociological Influences Contributing to Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Across Age Groups and Gender

Abstract

This review depicts the epidemiology of avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), a relatively new eating disorder characterized by persistent food restriction leading to weight loss or nutritional deficiencies. The prevalence of ARFID varies, with the disorder occurring in both children and adults, although rates may be higher among females. Psychopathological, medical, neurodevelopmental, family, genetic, and cultural factors may contribute to the development of ARFID. The media can significantly impact the development and persistence of ARFID, both positively and negatively. This review also discusses diagnostic criteria and differential diagnosis of ARFID. Assessment tools and evaluation protocols are described, such as clinical, physical, psychiatric, psychological, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Finally, the review covers various treatment options for ARFID, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), nutritional interventions, family-based therapy (FBT), and pharmacotherapy. The challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of ARFID are also highlighted, including overlapping symptomatology with other mental health disorders and heterogeneous manifestations of the disorder.