Differential Diagnosis for Restricting Food Intake Due to a Desire for Control
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Anorexia Nervosa (F50.0): This condition is characterized by a distorted body image and an intense fear of gaining weight, which leads to restricted food intake. The desire for control is a common underlying factor in anorexia nervosa, as individuals may feel that controlling their food intake is a means of exerting control over their lives.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) (F50.8): Although ARFID is more about a lack of interest in eating or a fear of eating due to concerns over the taste, texture, or nutritional content of food, some individuals with ARFID may restrict their food intake in a way that gives them a sense of control.
- Orthorexia Nervosa: This is an obsession with eating healthy food, which can lead to restrictive eating patterns. While not officially recognized in the DSM-5 or ICD-10, it can be considered under "Other specified eating disorder" (F50.8) and involves a desire for control through the selection and restriction of food intake.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Bulimia Nervosa (F50.2): Although bulimia involves binge eating followed by purging, some individuals may restrict their food intake between binges as a means of control, making it a critical diagnosis not to miss.
- Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) (F50.8): This category includes eating disorders that do not meet the full criteria for other eating disorders but can still cause significant distress and impairment. Restrictive eating for a sense of control could be a feature of OSFED.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Pica (F50.8) with restrictive eating patterns: Pica involves eating non-food substances, but in some cases, individuals might also restrict their intake of regular food as a means of control or due to other psychological factors.
- Factitious Disorder Imposed on Self (F68.1): This involves falsifying or inducing illnesses in oneself to gain attention and sympathy. Restricting food intake to the point of illness could be a manifestation, although it's less common and typically involves other factitious behaviors.