Identification and Management of Eating Disorders (including ARFID) in GI Patients

Abstract

Eating disorders are characterized by cognitions (eg, fear of gastrointestinal symptoms around eating, overvaluation of body shape/weight) and behaviors (eg, dietary restriction, binge eating) associated with medical (eg, weight loss), and/or psychosocial impairments (eg, high distress around eating). With growing evidence for bidirectional relationships between eating disorders and gastrointestinal disorders, gastroenterology providers' awareness of historical, concurrent, and potential risk for eating disorders is imperative. In this conceptual review, we highlight risk and maintenance pathways in the eating disorder-gastrointestinal disorder intersection, delineate different types of eating disorders, and provide recommendations for the gastroenterology provider in assessing and preventing eating disorder symptoms..

Keywords: Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder; Celiac disease; Disorders of gut–brain interaction; Feeding and eating disorders; Functional gastrointestinal disorders; Inflammatory bowel disorders.