Enhancing Adherence with Children and Families in the Treatment of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) was introduced as a diagnosis in the most recent fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. While ARFID is defined by restriction of specific foods, it differs from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in that it does not involve a fear of gaining weight or distorted body image. Accurately diagnosing ARFID and formulating a treatment plan, is essential to enhance adherence The treatments of ARFID, which include increasing patient and family compliance to care through motivational interviewing and improving health care literacy about nutrition and caregiver commitment practices, are reviewed. An overview of medical and psychotropic considerations as it relates to improving treatment adherence, is provided. Strategies, including both structured and more open-ended clinical interviews, are discussed. At this time, many clinicians remain unfamiliar with ARFID, and further continuing medical education and research will lead to optimal care and recovery.