Publication date: Jun 11, 2025

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) was introduced as a diagnosis to our mental health diagnostic manuals in 2013. Referrals to a UK-based tertiary feeding and eating disorder service for feeding difficulties, including ARFID, increased by 37% since 2019. This commentary discusses potential reasons for the increase observed in referrals for feeding difficulties, including ARFID presentations. We discuss several factors which may be contributing to the rise in referrals; a growing recognition of ARFID since its diagnostic introduction 10 years ago, the broad and inclusive diagnostic criteria for ARFID, the heterogeneous presentation of ARFID and its high co-occurrence of neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions, and a lack of established evidence-based interventions at present. We also consider broader contextual factors, including the possible impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, sociocultural changes in mealtime practices and food availability and increasing systemic pressures on services. Understanding the multi factorial causes behind increased referrals is crucial for developing effective services that can manage the demands, are responsive to the needs of patients and provide appropriate and timely care for children and their families.

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