Adapting treatment in an eating disorder program to meet the needs of patients with ARFID: Three case reports.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) was introduced in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Three different subtypes of ARFID are described: individuals who seem disinterested in eating, those who avoid certain foods because of a sensitivity to specific characteristics of the food, and those who are concerned about an aversive experience associated with eating. There is currently no first-line treatment for ARFID. Three case studies are presented of patients with ARFID who participated in a family-based partial hospitalization program/intensive outpatient program for eating disorders. A description of the course of treatment is included, as well as ways in which the eating disorder program adapted treatment to more closely meet the unique needs of these patients. An approach with emphasis on parental involvement seems promising, although research is needed to investigate this more fully.