James Donaldson on Mental Health - What Is ARFID?

Treatment for ARFID Because possible signs of ARFID (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder) can be so hard to interpret, it’s important to get a thorough evaluation from an experienced professional if you think your child might have it.

It’s best to start with an eating disorder specialist if possible, though other clinicians (such as those who work with kids with autism or gastrointestinal issues) may also pick up on signs on ARFID in kids who initially seem to have a different problem.

And if you think that your child may have another diagnosis as well, such as OCD, it’s helpful work with a specialist in that field too, particularly during evaluation.

Because ARFID is a relatively new diagnosis, researchers are still exploring the best ways to treat it, and there’s not yet a clear evidence-based treatment model.

“There are a couple of pilot studies, treatment development studies, but there are no randomized clinical trials,” says Dr.

“So we can’t say with any certainty.

But there are a couple of treatment candidates that are pretty promising.” For cases where a child with ARFID is underweight or malnourished, a big part of treatment (as with other eating disorders) is helping them regain weight and maintain medical stability.

This might involve working with nutritionists and endocrinologists, while occupational therapists can help children overcome sensory challenges related to eating.

Treatment for ARFID also has a lot in common with treatment for OCD and other anxiety disorders, especially in cases where the child is not underweight.

There are several promising initiatives underway to adapt cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for use in kids with ARFID.