A systematic review of COVID-19 and the presentation of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder-like symptoms.

BACKGROUND

The adverse effects of COVID-19 and the associated restrictions on eating disorder populations have been discussed in recent literature. However, little is known about the presentation of cases with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) during this period.

AIMS

To explore the extent of the literature on the presentation of ARFID, and ARFID-like cases, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHOD

Cochrane Library, CINAHL (EBSCO), PsycINFO (EBSCO), EMBASE (Ovid) and Medline (Ovid) were searched for publications between March 2020 and May 2023. Google Scholar and reference lists were hand searched. At least two reviewers independently screened each paper. Narrative synthesis was used.

RESULTS

Seven papers were included: four case reports and three cohort studies (total ARFID sample of 46). Included papers were assessed as having high (

CONCLUSIONS

Publications specifically pertaining to ARFID presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic have been few. Papers found have been of small sample sizes and lack subanalyses for ARFID within broader eating disorder samples. Continued surveillance is needed to evaluate any COVID-19-specific effects on the development, identification, treatment and outcomes of ARFID.