2023 Volume 71 Issue 5 Pages 277-282
Avoidant and restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by the restriction of both the type and amount of food ingested without any desire to reduce weight or impaired weight/body shape perception. ARFID has garnered attention due to its association with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Herein, we report the case of a 9-year-old patient, who was expeditiously admitted to our hospital because of rapid weight loss and hypoglycemia during a short stature follow-up. Poor food intake, consequent to a phobia of abdominal pain and nausea, was observed, and the patient was diagnosed with ARFID. Additionally, a diagnosis of ASD was rendered owing to persistent deficiencies in social communication and interpersonal interactions since early childhood, along with restricted behavior and interests. Dietary guidance predicated on the individual's ASD characteristics, which engendered a forward perspective and reduced anxiety, led to increased food intake, improved nutritional status, and remediation of growth disturbances. ARFID can have serious ramifications in children, including growth disturbances and organ damage due to trace element deficiencies. For children with eating behavior problems, developmental characterization, prompt diagnosis, psychoeducation, and appropriate nutritional counseling are advised.
