Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): A clinical practice update

Ten years after being included in the DSMV, ARFID, though not a new phenomenon, is still considered to be a relatively new diagnostic category. Variability in clinical presentation, a limited (but growing) evidence base, and lack of well-established treatment protocols create challenges for clinicians and teams providing ARFID care. This presentation will provide an update on the literature and overview of the current practices for ARFID management from a psychological, nutritional, and medical perspective. This discussion will include a review of a.) research on ARFID characteristics, epidemiology, assessment, and treatment; b.) practical psychotherapeutic treatment strategies from a family and individual perspective; c.) nutrition counseling and education strategies for all levels of care; and d.)  recommended medical and pharmacological interventions. Guidance on how to implement a comprehensive framework for specialized ARFID treatment, with case illustrations, will be provided.

Educational Objectives

• Explain the core elements of evidence-informed multidisciplinary treatment for ARFID.
• Describe key strategies used in CBT-based and Family Based treatment of ARFID.
• Identify ways to implement nutritional and medical strategies targeting diverse ARFID presentations.

If you have questions about this event, or need more information, please reach out to Cheryl Philipps at Cheryl.Philipps@ERCPathlight.com