Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: An Adult Patient Responding to the Treatment with Inpatient Nutritional Rehabilitation Program

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: An Adult Patient Responding to the Treatment with Inpatient Nutritional Rehabilitation Program

Background: In this case report, we are describing a 32-year-old woman diagnosed with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) following progressive dietary restriction triggered by gastroesophageal reflux disease. Case Report: The patient presented herself with severe malnutrition (body mass index = 13.2 kg/m2), anxiety, and depressive symptoms, resulting in occupational impairment and hospitalization. Despite having received extensive gastrointestinal investigations–including abdominal computerized tomography and endoscopy–she did not show any structural abnormalities. During nutritional rehabilitation, she developed hypoglycemia, electrolyte imbalances, and an episode of generalized tonic–clonic seizures, along with transient delirious symptoms. A multidisciplinary treatment approach, including cognitive–behavioral intervention, nutritional planning, and psychotropic medications (olanzapine, mirtazapine, estazepam, and clonazepam), led to gradual body weight restoration from 32 kg to 46.9 kg over the course of nine weeks. Conclusion: This case report highlights the complex interplay between gastrointestinal and psychiatric conditions in an adult patient with ARFID, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and integrated care.