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Boletín Clínico de la Asociación Médica del Hospital Infantil del Estado de Sonora

2025, Number 2

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Bol Clin Hosp Infant Edo Son 2025; 42 (2)

ARFID: Avoidant and restrictive food disorder and its management in pediatrics

Ayuzo-del Valle NC, Mayorga-Elizondo N, Montalvo-Luna DR, Chuck-Sepulveda J, Matos-Alviso J, Reyes-Gómez U, Quero-Hernández A, Perea-Martínez A, Santiago-Lagunes L, Reyes-Hernández KL, Aguilar-Figueroa ES

Language: Spanish
References: 16
Page: 27-31
PDF size: 328.90 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Restrictive and Avoidant Food Disorder (ARFID) is characterized by avoidant and restricted eating behaviors associated with a lack of interest in food, sensory avoidance, or fear of aversive consequences. It can cause weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and dependence on dietary supplements. Although it is distinct from selective eating, commonly known as “picky eaters”, it is a transitional stage in preschoolers. The prevalence of ARFID ranges between 5% and 22%, with psychiatric comorbidities such as anxiety and autism spectrum disorder. Its clinical variants include sensory aversions, loss of appetite, and aversive food rejection. Its causes are multifactorial, involving biological, genetic, environmental, and parenting style factors. Diagnosis is based on DSM-5 criteria, using questionnaires such as the NIAS and EDY-Q. Despite the introduction of the term in 2013, there are no specific clinical guidelines for its management. The importance of individualizing treatment is emphasized, considering the nutritional status, psychosocial impact, and goals of the patient and family. Moreover, this review aims to summarize the main clinical approaches and highlight their practical implications for pediatric care.


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