Percorsi clinici
Paura in gola… ARFID in azione!
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: a Case Report
Agnese Menghi1*, Loretta Biserna1, Delia Barbini1,2, Martina Mainetti1, Federico Marchetti1,3
1UOC di Pediatria e Neonatologia, Ospedale di Ravenna, AUSL della Romagna
2Scuola di Specializzazione in Pediatria, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna
3Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna
*Psicologa
Marzo 2026 - pagg. 170 -174 | DOI: 10.53126/MEB45170
Abstract
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a recently defined eating disorder characterised by an apparent lack of interest in eating, avoidance based on sensory characteristics of food or concern about potential adverse consequences of eating (e.g. choking and vomiting), without body image disturbances. The paper reports the case of a 12-year-and-8-month-old girl referred for significant weight loss (~7 kg over 6 months) and increasing selectivity in food textures. At admission, she was severely underweight (BMI 11.96). Diagnostic criteria for ARFID (DSM-5-TR) were fully met. The case highlights the importance of the early identification and comprehensive, multidisciplinary management of ARFID.
Riassunto
Il Disturbo Evitante/Restrittivo dell'Assunzione di Cibo (ARFID) è un disturbo alimentare di recente definizione, caratterizzato da un'apparente mancanza di interesse per il cibo, evitamento basato sulle caratteristiche sensoriali del cibo o preoccupazione per le potenziali conseguenze negative del mangiare (ad esempio soffocamento e vomito), in assenza di disturbi dell'immagine corporea. L'articolo riporta il caso di una bambina di 12 anni e 8 mesi, inviata per una significativa perdita di peso (~7 kg in 6 mesi) e una crescente selettività nelle consistenze degli alimenti. Al momento del ricovero, la bambina era gravemente sottopeso (BMI 11,96). I criteri diagnostici per l'ARFID (DSM-5-TR) erano pienamente soddisfatti. Il caso sottolinea l'importanza dell'identificazione precoce e della gestione completa e multidisciplinare dell'ARFID.
Parole chiave
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Classificazione MeSH
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Bibliografia
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19. Meeting the Team Sunshine Community Hub. What is ARFID: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers.
Corrispondenza: federico.marchetti@auslromagna.it