ARFID
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a relatively new term, that was introduced in 2013 when it first appeared in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It has also previously been known as Selective Eating Disorder.

 

It is anticipated that it will similarly, make its debut in the World Health Organisation’s next edition of its equivalent (the ICD). Favoured by European countries, the next edition of the ICD (ICD-11) was presented at the World Health Assembly in May 2019 for adoption by Member States, and will come into effect on 1 January 2022.

 

The entry of ARFID into the DSM-5 was significant in that it had previously existed under an umbrella term used to encompass all ‘other infant and early childhood’ feeding disorders.