Vol. 10, Issue 5, Part A (2024)

Abstract
ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is an eating disorder manifested by highly selective eating habits, disturbed feeding patterns or both. ARFID is persistent, more severe, can involve the restriction of both familiar and new foods, and has significant physical and mental health consequences. It is common in infants and children, with some cases persisting into adulthood. ARFID is commonly misdiagnosed as picky eaters/ anorexia nervosa. Certain coormobidities with ARFID is autism spectrum conditions, anxiety disorder and/other psychiatric disorders like ADHD, intellectual disabilities, etc. Common challenges that these individuals face are; difficulty in digesting food; avoidance of specific types of food textures, colors and smells; eating at an abnormally slow pace, having lack of appetite. It often results in significant nutritional and energy deficiencies, delayed normal growth and/ no-nil weight gain. There are several evidence-based treatments that are available for ARFID and full recovery is possible.