Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Eating disorder claims in the United States rose 65% as a percentage of all medical claims over the last 5 years, according to a report from FAIR Health, a health care claims repository.

The prevalence of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder varied significantly based on how the disorder was defined, according to study results published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome who engaged in severe food avoidance and restriction experienced more severe IBS symptoms and a reduced quality of life, according to study results.

There is increasing recognition in the gastroenterology field that a number of patients can have eating disorder symptoms that interact with their presenting gastrointestinal complaints. Historically, many practitioners have been aware to screen for “traditional” eating disorders, primarily bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. However, a relatively new eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), is less known and is likely going untreated in many practice settings.

Research presented at the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo highlighted a need for future studies of the impact of autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, within the family unit over time. Potential interventions include family-centered approaches to address mealtime behavior and programs that focus on managing disruptive behavior, researchers reported.

PHILADELPHIA — Presenters at the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo showcased a parent-mediated, group-based intervention called the Autism Managing Eating Aversions and Limited variety, or MEAL, Plan.

SAN ANTONIO — While avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder has often been associated by clinicians with underlying psychiatric and eating disorders, data presented at the American College of Gastroenterology Meeting revealed lower body image concerns and increased frustration with not being able to eat among patients with the intake disorder.

Healio spoke with Linda Nguyen, MD, about distinguishing between IBS-C, CIC and other types of constipation, new developments in IBS-C, considerations of the low FODMAP diet and the need for better IBS diagnosis.