ARFID - Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake disorder
What is ARFID
ARFID is an eating disorder recognised in the DSM-V
Diagnosis is associated with at least one of the following;
(1) Significant weight loss (or failure to achieve weight gain/physical growth in children);
(2) Significant nutritional deficiency;
(3) Dependence on tube feeding (supplying nutrients directly to the gastrointestinal tract) or oral nutritional supplements;
(4) Marked interference on an individual’s psychosocial functioning (e.g., impacts on daily activities).
Diagnosis is made if symptoms are not better explained by a concurrent medical condition (e.g., allergies, intolerances, other medical conditions), other mental illness (including other eating disorders, such as Anorexia Nervosa), a lack of available food or a cultural practice (e.g., Ramadan). ARFID differs from picky or fussy eating, which is common in childhood and generally resolves over time (e.g., food neophobia). Source; (https://eatingdisorders.org.au/eating-disorders-a-z/arfid/)
Where to find more information and support
Screening Tools
For parents short screen; https://mccaed.slam.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Short-ARFID-Screen-Parent-fillable-NEDIC-version.pdf
For parents - long screen
https://www.feedingmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/PARDI-AR-Q-Parent-4.pdf
Screening tools are not a diagnosis but can be be taken to your health professional to identify if there is a need for further assessment and referrals