Self‐reported expertise and confidence in diagnosing and treating avoidant restrictive food intake disorder among Swedish clinicians

Abstract

Objective: To assess self-reported knowledge and confidence regarding avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) diagnosis and treatment in Swedish clinicians from various disciplines. Method:The study included 489 clinicians who attended educational lectures about ARFID. Participants responded to 20 ARFID-related questions and statements using the online audience engagement platform Mentimeter. Items assessed ARFID-related knowledge, education, and experience, as well as treatment methods offered to ARFID patients at clinicians' healthcare units. Results: We found predominantly correct responses to three basic knowledgebased items about ARFID. However, most participants (64.0%) reported never having received education about ARFID, and few participants reported feeling confident in their ability to diagnose (13.4%) and treat (10.7%) ARFID. Nearly half the sample reported either not knowing which ARFID treatments their unit offered (22.3%) or that no treatment was offered (21.3%). Conclusion:Experience and confidence in diagnosing and treating ARFID are generally low in Swedish clinicians, and many individuals with ARFID do not receive treatment. We identify a pressing need for resources, clearer organisation, and structure, and for additional education and training opportunities for clinicians meeting individuals with ARFID.

Clinical features of adult patients with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder presenting for medical stabilization: A descriptive study

“…Only 6.6% of our sample reported a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD). This is less than pediatric ARFID patients who have been shown to have three times the risk of a NDD as pediatric patients without ARFID (Dinkler, 2020), with rates of autism alone ranging from 13% to 16% in pediatric ARFID patients (Dinkler, 2020;Inoue et al, 2021;Nicely et al, 2014). However, ARFID clinical presentations of LOI or SC more often correlate with the feeding issues that are highly prevalent in NDD, presentations which were not common in our sample (Nygren et al, 2021).…”

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in New Zealand and Australia: a scoping review

“…Research involving clinicians focused on the application of diagnostic manuals, such as ICD-10 vs ICD-11, and on the familiarity and confidence in diagnosing ARFID [47,52]. Low confidence and familiarity within surveyed Australasian clinicians mirrored international findings [25] that much work needs to be done in this area. The inclusion of ARFID in the International Classification of Diseases 11th revision (ICD-11) is a significant step forward in the recognition and visibility of this disorder, and may help distinguish ARFID [52] in settings that rely on ICD diagnoses rather than DSM.…”

“…For example, gastroenterologists may be more likely to identify PFD, whereas mental health professionals may be more familiar with ARFID. This inconsistency in diagnosis highlights the need for greater clarity and awareness among healthcare providers [ 25 ] about the differences between PFD and ARFID.…”