Differential Diagnosis for ARFID
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): This is the most likely diagnosis given the context of the question, as ARFID is characterized by a lack of interest in eating or a fear of eating due to concerns over the taste, texture, or nutritional content of food, without the body image concerns seen in other eating disorders.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Anorexia Nervosa: Although body image concerns are a key feature of anorexia nervosa, in some cases, especially in younger patients, the disorder may present with restrictive eating patterns similar to ARFID, without clear body image issues.
- Selective Eating Disorder: This condition involves eating only a very limited range of foods, often due to sensory issues or food neophobia, which can resemble ARFID but may not meet the full criteria for ARFID.
- Food Neophobia: A condition where individuals are hesitant to try new foods, which can lead to a restricted diet and may be considered in the differential diagnosis of ARFID.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder that requires a strict gluten-free diet. If missed, continued ingestion of gluten can lead to severe health complications, including malnutrition and increased risk of other autoimmune diseases.
- Food Allergies: Especially in children, food allergies can present with avoidance of certain foods due to adverse reactions, which must be identified to prevent potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders (e.g., Gastroparesis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease): Conditions that can cause discomfort or pain with eating, leading to food avoidance. Missing these diagnoses can result in significant morbidity.
- Rare diagnoses
- Pica: Eating non-food substances, which can be associated with nutritional deficiencies or other underlying conditions.
- Rumination Disorder: Repeatedly regurgitating food, which can lead to malnutrition and other health issues if not addressed.
- Chewing Disorder: Difficulty with the physical act of chewing, which can lead to avoidance of certain foods or eating altogether.