The Symptoms of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder in Children; Underlying factors, outcomes and treatment

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is introduced as new eating and eating disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), and is a relatively new diagnostic category of eating and eating disorders. People with ARFID avoid or are uninterested in food for various reasons, not because of a desire to lose weight or a body image disorder. The occurrence of such a disorder in children due to their developmental period can lead to irreversible medical complications and functional-social disorders. Since the definition of this disorder, studies on the prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome in the pediatric population have been very limited, so the purpose of this article is to describe and clarify the diagnostic criteria, clinical manifestations, prevalence, etiology, consequences, prevention, and treatment of ARFID restriction in children. It is hoped that the theoretical basis for further research, parental awareness, and support and knowledge for better diagnosis and treatment by therapists will be provided.