Clinical Characteristics and Personality Traits of Pediatric and Adult Patients With Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa-Restricting Type

Objective: This study investigated the clinical features and personality traits of pediatric and adult patients with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and anorexia nervosa-restricting type (RAN) in a Korean hospital cohort, and the distinct characteristics of ARFID in a non-Western sample. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 392 Korean outpatients with ARFID (n=68) or RAN (n=324) at an eating disorders clinic. Clinical characteristics including eating and general psychopathology, and personality traits based on the five-factor model and behavior inhibition/activation systems were assessed. The eating and general psychopathology and personality traits of pediatric and adult patients with ARFID were retrospectively investigated alongside those of pediatric and adult RAN patients. Results: Patients with ARFID had an earlier onset age, a longer illness duration, and lower levels of eating and general psychopathology compared to those with RAN. ARFID patients also reported lower levels of neuroticism and behavioral inhibition. Pediatric ARFID patients showed less severe general psychopathology than adult patients with ARFID, while personality traits were consistent across age groups. However, pediatric RAN patients demonstrated higher dietary restraint and lower levels of general psychopathology compared to adult patients. Conclusion: This study highlights distinct psychopathology and personality traits between ARFID and RAN. These findings emphasize the importance of age-specific interventions for ARFID. Compared to pediatric patients, adult patients with ARFID require interventions targeting psychological difficulties. The results underscore the need to improve recognition of ARFID in Korea.